English-born of Ghanaian descent, Frederick Habib Yampabu Issaka has signed a contract extension with Plymouth Argyle, to keep him at the English Championship outfit until the summer of 2028.
The deal signed by Freddie Issaka together with his parents earlier today, will come into force when he turns 18 later this month.
Issaka became Argyle’s youngest ever player in 2021, just 34 days after his 15th birthday, when he came on as a substitute in an EFL Trophy game against Newport County.
He has now played 16 times for Argyle’s first team, two of those being starts, against Leyton Orient in last season’s Carabao Cup first round, and then in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, against Sutton United.
Truro-born Freddie signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday and, as well as featuring in many match day squads for the first team, played a significant part in the Argyle Under-18s’ success in 2023/24, as they won both the Youth Alliance and Merit Leagues.
“It's a really exciting time for me and a massive honour,” Freddie said. “I think it shows a lot of trust from the club to want to keep me on for that long. It's time for me to show that I owe it to the club, I deserve it and I've earned it. It’s time to work hard.
“I think it is a massive achievement and a big step in my career, which I'm very proud of, but it also means that I can focus a lot on football.
“Sometimes you can find yourself thinking about what's going to happen next, but I've got a bit of breathing space, a time where I can crack down and focus on trying to get myself in the team and the squad.”
Now, Freddie has the opportunity to learn from one of England’s greats, under Head Coach Wayne Rooney, and is excited to use all the support available.
“He spoke to the whole team and said how he'll be honest with everyone, and wants us to push on and win as much as we can,” Issaka told Argyle TV. “It shows that he's here to help us and make sure that we do everything correctly.
“He’s spoken to me one-on-one saying that he's always there to help me, which is good to hear. I'll definitely try to ask questions and do everything I can to learn from such an icon of the game. He's been really supportive, and it looks like he will be the whole time.”
First-team coach Kevin Nancekivell, who has watched Freddie’s progression over recent years, said: “We are really pleased for Freddie to have agreed a new, extended deal with us. His progress over the last few years has been impressive, and he has benefited from being around the senior team a lot and getting minutes to aid his development.
“Now, as he formally steps up from the Under-18s, this contract underlines our commitment to him, and vice versa.
“Our Academy has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, and this is another sign of our desire to nurture our best young talents, of which we have many, and are very excited about.”
Freddie Issaka is eligible to play for Ghana in future despite representing England and Wales at the youth levels.
