Brayden Clarke (born 3 July 2007) is a footballer who plays as a center back for Premier League side Arsenal.[1] Born in England, he represented Wales at youth level.

Brayden Clarke
Personal information
Date of birth (2007-07-02) 2 July 2007 (age 16)
Place of birth Oldbury, West Midlands, England
Position(s) Center back
Team information
Current team
Arsenal
Youth career
-2016 West Hagley
2016–2024 Wolves
2024– Arsenal
International career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2022 Wales U16 6 (0)
2022–2024 Wales U17 19 (0)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 27 May 2024

Early career

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Clarke was born on 2 July 2007 in Oldbury, West Midlands as his father Nigel Quashie was playing for West Bromwich Albion at the time. In 2004, at the age of three, he moved to Hagley. He started his youth career at local club West Hagley, before joining the Wolves academy at nine years-old.[2]

In December 2022, at the age of 15, he made his debut for the Wolves U21 side.[3]

In March 2024, he joined the academy of fellow Premier League side Arsenal.[4][5][6]

International career

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Clarke was eligible to play for England, Ghana, Scotland and Wales and chose to represent Wales at youth level. At the age of 15 years-old, he made his debut for Wales U17.[7] He featured for Wales at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2023 and 2024.[8][9]

References

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  1. ^ "Brayden Clarke". Soccerway. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  2. ^ "YOUNG GUN: BRAYDEN CLARKE". Arsenal F.C. 11 April 2024.
  3. ^ "15-year-old joins Wolves first team training as rapid rise continues". Birmingham Mail. 2 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Arsenal confirm signing of Welsh wonderkid Brayden Clarke from Wolves, with starlet set to work his way up from U18s". Goal.com. 16 March 2024.
  5. ^ "Brayden Clarke: Arsenal confirm signing of 16-year-old wonderkid hours before surprise debut". Evening Standard. 16 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Arsenal sign teenager Clarke after Wolves exit". The Atletic. 16 March 2024.
  7. ^ "Wolves youngster Brayden Clarke making history with Wales". Express and Star. 5 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Wolves and Aston Villa forwards jet off for under-17s European Championship". Shropshire Star. 20 May 2023.
  9. ^ "Cymru squad announced for 2024 UEFA EURO U17 finals". Football Association of Wales. 26 April 2024.