Nigeria-eligible defender Sean Somade has signed his first professional contract with Crystal Palace, marking a major milestone after playing a key role in the club’s successful 2025/26 academy campaign, Boldsports report.
The highly rated centre-back earned the new deal following an impressive season with Palace’s Under-18 side. Somade helped the Young Eagles secure the club’s first-ever U18 Premier League Cup title and reach the FA Youth Cup semi-finals for the first time in almost three decades.
Somade’s latest contract follows a season in which he became a regular starter for Javier Alonso’s Under-18 team. The Nigeria-eligible defender played an important role in a defence that recorded eight clean sheets during Crystal Palace’s successful Premier League Cup run. He also continued his steady rise through the academy after joining the club at Under-14 level and had previously been part of Palace’s Under-15 National Floodlit Cup-winning squad.
His performances throughout the campaign highlighted his development and convinced the club to hand him his first professional contract.
Speaking after signing the deal, Somade said: “I’ve been dreaming of this day for a long time and my family are super proud of me.”
Crystal Palace also awarded first professional contracts to Euan Danaher, Marcus Hill, Jasper Judd and David Angibeaud, recognising the contributions each player made during a memorable academy season.
Danaher featured 29 times across all competitions after establishing himself as a key midfielder. Goalkeeper Marcus Hill built on his development with a productive loan spell at Raynes Park Vale, making 16 senior appearances and keeping four clean sheets.
Captain Jasper Judd enjoyed an excellent season, contributing three goals and seven assists in 29 matches while also making four appearances for the Under-21s. Forward David Angibeaud scored 17 goals and added four assists in 35 games, including the decisive goal that sent Palace into their first-ever U18 Premier League Cup final.
Academy Director Gary Issott praised the quintet, saying: “These five players have worked incredibly hard to earn their first professional contracts. It’s a proud day for them and their families, and a reward for their dedication.
”Four were part of our history-making U18s side last season, while Marcus enjoyed a successful loan spell that furthered his development. They have shown the right mentality and will continue progressing with our U21s.”
For Somade, the professional contract represents another significant step as he prepares to continue his development with Crystal Palace’s Under-21 squad while working towards a future breakthrough into senior football.
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