Tottenham Hotspur’s injury crisis has given Ange Postecoglou the opportunity to test the quality of their youth academy. The gaffer has called up multiple players from the youth teams this season, mostly to fill roles on the bench for the Lilywhites.
However, his decision proved particularly rewarding during Spurs’ 3-0 win over Elfsborg in the UEFA Europa League. The North London outfit produced a tour de force in the second half, with three late goals all being scored by their youth players.
Dane Scarlett and Damola Ajayi scored their first senior goals, while Mikey Moore struck the third of the night in injury time.
Postecoglou was particularly delighted with the youngsters’ performances:
I just said it was made in Tottenham tonight. It’s brilliant for the club and I’m sure there are academy coaches and players who won’t sleep tonight because they are pretty excited.
We kind of knew we would have to rely on some young players tonight, and all the way through this campaign to be honest. We had a couple of 18-year-olds in there as well who continue to drive us on. So it is a great night for the club and something the whole academy should be proud of.
Ange told BBC.
20-year-old Scarlett was particularly chuffed to score his first senior goal for Tottenham.
He couldn’t contain his happiness after the game, telling BT Sport:
It was amazing. I have been waiting for that moment for a long time. I have been on loan and experienced men’s football. I feel really good now. Ready to kick on. Very happy. I have just been training hard with a clear mind and waiting for the opportunity. Today it came and I am just grateful that the team won.
It’s clear that the young lads in the Tottenham squad will get more playing time after their heroics, especially in the Europa League.
But how much are these young players paid by the Premier League side? Let’s take a look at their weekly salaries –
Dane Scarlett
Scarlett reportedly earns £624,000-a-year (£12,000-a-week) at Spurs after returning from the loan spell at Portsmouth. The 20-year-old is represented by the CAA Base Ltd agency, which negotiates the contract on his behalf.
Mikey Moore
The young winger signed his first professional contract with Tottenham in August, 2024. His previous salary was a low £11,440-a-year or £220-a-week. But with the new deal, Spurs are reportedly paying him a higher salary than they have to any player before turning 17 and his wages are going to be increased based on performances in the next few years.
Oyidamola Ajaye
Damola Ajaye is also on a teenager’s contract at Tottenham Hotspur. He is rumoured to be earning £11,440-a-year (£220-per-week), but could look to negotiate a bigger deal now.
Will Lankshear
The 19-year-old forward has scored one goal in three Europa League matches for Spurs this season. He is rumoured to be earning a salary of around £176,800-per-year (£3,400-a-week) at Spurs and is represented by the Every Aspect Group.
Rio Kyerematen
Kyerematen was in the Tottenham Hotspur senior squad for the first time in the win over Elfsborg, despite being an unused substitute. The central midfielder is claimed to be earning a £35,360-a-year salary (£680-a-week) and he’s represented by the Sports Invest UK agency.
Dante Cassanova
The 20-year-old centre-back is yet to make his senior debut for Spurs, being on the bench for some of their Europa League matches. Cassanova is paid a pretty decent £72,800-a-year (£1,400-a-week) salary at Tottenham, despite not having made his senior debut yet.
Callum Olusesi
The talented 17-year-old midfielder received his Spurs debut earlier this season in the Europa League against Hoffenheim. He’s also earning a salary of £72,800-a-year (or £1,400-aweek) at Tottenham.
Malachi Hardy
The 16-year-old was the youngest player in the Spurs squad for the game against Elfsborg, albeit being an unused substitute. The young centre-back is yet to make his senior debut, but has been on the bench for a few games. Normally, Premier League clubs reportedly pay their under-16 academy players about £165-£175 per week (£7920-£8400 per year) and that is probably what Hardy is also earning.
