Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially handed Italian-born Nigerian centre-back Elvis Elendu his first professional contract, the Premier League club announced in an official statement.Elendu, 17, began the season as a first-year scholar before earning promotion to the Wolves U18 squad.

Elendu originally started his football journey as a goalkeeper with Pro Soccer Youth in 2020, but a shift to an outfield role recommended by club director John Anastasiou has proven pivotal in his development. After leaving Pro Soccer Youth, he joined Cambridge United on schoolboy terms in early 2023, before Wolves secured his services in 2024.

Since joining Wolves, Elendu has featured in fifteen U18 Premier League matches and was named among the substitutes for FA Youth Cup ties against Wimbledon and Everton last season, although he did not play. He has been lauded for his athleticism, physicality, and strong reading of the game, making him a promising addition to Wolves’ defensive pipeline.

Editorial

We believe Elvis Elendu’s transition to a professional contract at Wolves represents a crucial turning point in his career a move that reflects both his individual adaptability and the club’s trust in his potential. His journey from starting out between the sticks to reinventing himself as a defender illustrates both personal resilience and tactical flexibility. The decision to relegate him from goalkeeper to centre-back might have raised eyebrows, but it underscores a willingness to evolve, which is essential for young players navigating modern football’s demands.

Elendu’s progress also highlights the importance of early career guidance. The influence of Wolves’ club director in redirecting his position has been instrumental. This kind of intervention is not just about identifying where a player might fit best, but about shaping a path towards long-term success. Promoting him from scholar to a fully professional squad member is a signal to him—and other young players—that Wolves are serious about youth development.

That said, the jump from U18 football to senior competition is vast, and success cannot be assumed. Elendu will need to continue building his game intelligence, physical prowess, and consistency if he is to make an impact. Wolves must provide the right environment not only match exposure but also mentorship and psychological support—for him to realise his potential.

We see this contract as the beginning rather than the culmination of a process. If Elendu can harness his athleticism, his understanding of the game, and his adaptability, there is a real chance he could develop into a dependable centre-back at senior level. This deal marks the start of a new chapter—one in which his growth and opportunities will define his trajectory.

Did You Know?

1. Elvis Elendu began his football journey as a goalkeeper before transitioning to an outfield role on the advice of Wolves’ club director.
   


2. He spent part of his youth career at Cambridge United before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2024.
   


3. Elendu featured in fifteen U18 Premier League fixtures for Wolves during the last season.
   


4. Despite being part of the matchday squad for FA Youth Cup games, Elendu was an unused substitute in ties against Wimbledon and Everton.
   


5. His teammates Makenzie Bradbury and Minkyu Ji also recently signed their first professional contracts with Wolverhampton Wanderers.