Preston North End are delighted to confirm James Pradic has signed a two-year professional contract, with the club having the option of a further year.
The 17-year-old goalkeeper, heading into his second year as a scholar, has been involved with the first team during pre-season and will continue to compete with Freddie Woodman and Dai Cornell.
James, who joined the club in 2021 after being released from Charlton Athletic, played a key role in the success of the U19s during the last campaign, and he has also featured regularly for Wales U17s in the past year.
Speaking after signing, James said: “I’m very, very pleased to get it signed. I’ve only been here for a year so to sign it in the first year is really good.
“[I want to] learn as much as I can, train up here as much as I can, but also I want to try and play as much as I can as well.
“I understand, I know my position in the club. Obviously play time for a third choice ‘keeper is not always guaranteed, but obviously I’ve got the Academy games and the reserve games so I’m really looking forward to this year.”
Manager Ryan Lowe added: “James is someone who joined us at the start of pre-season, and he’s handled himself really well.
“He’s another young prospect who’s shown he’s not intimidated by our environment, and training with Polly [Mike Pollitt], Freddie and Dai everyday is only going to help him become a better player.
“So we’re pleased we’ve tied him down for at least a couple of years and we’ll see how he does in the coming years at Preston North End.”