Laila Harbert signs first professional contract with Arsenal

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·4 January 2025

Laila Harbert signs first professional contract with Arsenal

On her 18th Birthday, Arsenal Academy graduate Laila Harbert signed her first professional contract with the North London club.

Harbert joined the youth system at nine years of age in 2016 and has called Arsenal home ever since. She has moved her way through the academy, collecting several trophies with the U16 and U21 teams.

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The defensive midfielder made her senior debut for Arsenal during their game against the A-League All-Stars Women in Melbourne in May 2024. Harbert also made an appearance during the pre-season tour over in the US, She came off the bench in the 78th minute against Washington Spirit, helping secure the 2-1 win. However, the 18-year-old is yet to make her competitive debut for the club.

Harbert is also an experienced youth international for England. Last summer, she captained her country to their first ever final at U17s level. The Young Lionesses fought to the end of the U17s European Championships in Sweden before missing out on the trophy after losing 4-0 to Spain. In October, she captained the England U17s again, leading them to fourth place at the World Cup.

When speaking on her first contract Harbert said: “It’s such a proud moment, not only for me, but my family and everyone else who helped me get here as well. One day, I’d like to become a regular starter and win trophies for this club.”

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “We’re thrilled that Laila has signed her first professional contract with us. Laila has been a key part of our academy in the different age groups and has made a great start to life around the first team, thanks to lots of hard work and her dedicated attitude. We’re delighted to see another great prospect come through our academy set-up. We look forward to seeing Laila continue to grow here.”