SOLIHULL Moors are thrilled to announce Melis Bushaj has signed his first professional contract with the club.
Bushaj, 18, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal at the SportNation.bet Stadium, with the option of a further year in place.
Primarily a left-back, Bushaj is also comfortable in the heart of the midfield. He has spent the last two years developing in the Football and Education programme at the club.
Over the course of last season, Bushaj was integrated into first team training on a number of occasions, featured regularly in the Birmingham Senior Cup and was named in the first team squad to take on Sutton United in January after being handed a squad number.
On securing his first pro deal, Bushaj said: “I am very happy to sign with the club and grateful for the help from all the coaches in the Football and Education programme to get me to this point.
“It has been great working with the coaching staff and players at the club and I feel excited to continually grow with them.
“I am looking forward to working hard and improving through the opportunity that’s been given to me.”
Head of football development Myles Cooper has overseen Bushaj’s progression and said: “Melis has been brilliant over the last two years. His hard work and his desire to improve are key examples of why he deserves his first professional contract.
“It demonstrates clearly that, with the right attitude and application alongside ability, there is a pathway into football.
“Melis’ contract should give all young players at the club motivation to try and achieve the same.”
Manager Jimmy Shan added: “Melis has come through the club’s Football and Education programme. He is another young player who will have a fantastic opportunity to develop and compete for first team football.
“I see qualities in Melis similar to those of Sam Field (plays for Charlton Athletic on loan from West Bromwich Albion), both technically and mentally.”
