Preston North End are delighted to announce Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old forward has penned a deal which will see him stay at Deepdale until at least 2026.
Felipe, who is in the first year of his scholarship at PNE, trains regularly with the first team and has been involved in a number of matchday squads this Championship season.
Felipe said: “I couldn’t be happier to be honest. I can’t wait to start this journey and improve every day.
“It’s my main goal right now to keep improving, keep working towards that debut and when the chance comes just grasp it and give it my all, and hopefully get a goal which is what I love to do.
“I just want to thank my family for all their support and helping me in the tough times and the good times as well.
“I want to thank the fans obviously. They’re really special to me because the messages they send me, I read them all. I really enjoy the passion of this club.
“I thank Ryan Lowe as well for the opportunity of being up here. Sometimes it is tough but he’s always helping me and the staff members as well.”
The youngster burst onto the scene in December 2022 when he netted a remarkable five goals in an FA Youth Cup victory over Rotherham United at Deepdale.
Felipe, born in Brazil to Argentine parents, went on to take part in the first team’s pre-season schedule at the age of just 16, getting on the scoresheet in three friendly matches.
He earned his first involvement in a Sky Bet Championship matchday squad on the opening day of the season, and was then recognised internationally when he was called up to an Argentina U17 training camp in September.
Manager Ryan Lowe said: “It’s been a short and fast journey for Felipe really since he burst onto the scene but he thoroughly deserves this contract.
“He came up with us in pre-season, did really well, and he’s been with the first team ever since.
“Felipe’s a real asset for us because he’s got that quality. We feel he’s got a big future ahead of him but right now he’s just got to keep working as hard as he possibly can to get his first minutes for the first team.”