As we have reached the end of the season and the summer transfer window looms, there is still a lot going on at Tottenham. On Tuesday, the club announced that ENIC have given £150 million cash to Spurs, with football.london understanding the bulk of it will be put towards backing Antonio Conte during the summer transfer window. However there was more news to come out of the club on Wednesday morning, as it was announced that Dane Scarlett has signed a new contract with the Lilywhites. His contract now takes him to 2026 and just last month, the 18-year-old spoke on his “hunger”.
Dane Scarlett said: “If I stick to it and keep working hard there should be no reason why I can’t do what he’s [Harry Kane] done, if not more. I’m happy in the position I’m in now but I haven’t really done anything yet, so I’ve just got to stay focused on myself, keep working hard. [I’m] very hungry, I just want to be the best, that’s it.”
Scarlett has gone from scoring 17 goals and registering four assists in just 16 U18 Premier League appearances, to training with the Tottenham first team every week and being involved in a number of Conte’s matchday squads.
Dane Scarlett added: “It’s definitely a big step [U18s to first team] but this is something that I wanted to do. Training makes you good in games, so that’s how I think of it. If I keep training hard and working hard, when I get my chance on the pitch, I’ll be able to do well.”
Scarlett has also already been making an impact at country level too, scoring seven goals in just eight appearances for the England U19s. This was another area Mourinho has backed the starlet in as he said he believes the striker has “promise” and the potential to be “phenomenal”. The 18-year-old described training with the likes of Kane and Son Heung-min as “amazing” and explained how he believes he has developed since his debut.
Dane Scarlett said: “I’ve obviously got a bit bigger and stronger and I think I’m mentally stronger and understand more now and what it takes to really break through, into the first team.”
Scarlett hasn’t been giving many opportunities to play under Conte, which hasn’t been helped by the important games the Lilywhites have had to play and win. However the Italian has still be full of praise for the academy ace.
Antonio Conte said: “I’m seeing a lot of improvement today in [Dane] Scarlett honestly if I have to tell you. Seeing that this guy is improving a lot, he’s only 17-years-old but I can tell you that he is a really important prospect for Tottenham. He has to be patient and work behind these very important players and continue to work in this way because about Scarlett, I can tell you that I see a brilliant future for him. Patience is something that must be hard for a young player, as the striker will want to be playing regular football.”
However his comments after signing his contract show maturity and how the Spurs boss has helped him so far. “I’m really proud and excited to see what holds in the future,” he admitted.
Dane Scarlett said: “I’m just happy to be here and still enjoying my football. As long as I’m still focused and keep working hard, then everything will plan out for me. He’s [Conte] very good. Obviously the training sessions that he does is very beneficial to the attacking players. It’s good to be around this early and understand the way he plays. It’s amazing. It’s just the opportunities, they keep coming and I just keep taking them. I’m just proud and focused on my football really.”
football.london reported earlier this month that we understand the plan for Scarlett is to loan him out next season. This will allow the youngster to get the regular game time he needs, to continue his development, as remaining in N17 may not give him the time on the pitch he needs.
