Malachi Hardy

A commanding centre-back, he made seven appearances for our Under-18s in the latter months of the 2023/24 season while still a schoolboy before going full-time at that level in the summer of 2024.

He signed his first professional contract during the 2024/25 campaign before stepping up to feature frequently for our Under-21s during the following season, despite still technically being an Under-18s player.

Having been an unused substitute for the first team on multiple occasions over recent seasons, including in our successful UEFA Europa League campaign in 2024/25, Malachi shone when given his chance at senior level during our pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia in July, 2026.

Malachi has played for and captained England at youth level. He was part of the Young Lions' squad for the European Under-17 Championship and FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2025 and has since been capped at Under-18 level.