Reece McAlear has left Motherwell to join Norwich City on a permanent basis, subject to international clearance.
The 17-year-old will join the East Anglian side after 13 months as a professional at Fir Park.
Motherwell tried to secure the player on a longer contract during the summer, but it was clear that any extended stay beyond May 2020 was extremely unlikely.
Despite that, several approaches from Norwich were rejected, before terms were finally agreed on a deal which gives the club a short-term cash injection, coupled with the ability to claim future money should the player develop further.
“It is very much our hope that the player development pathway we provide at Motherwell results in our academy graduates progressing to professional level, then eventually into the first team,” chief executive Alan Burrows explained.
“We had high hopes for Reece. He was getting closer and closer and indeed, played several first-team friendly matches during pre-season. We had positive conversations with the player, his family and his representatives about extending his stay.
“However, it was clear this was an opportunity Reece wanted to explore and probably would’ve explored, when his contract expired at the end of the season, had we not managed to agree a deal with Norwich now.
“This will see the club secure cash in advance, as well as maintaining some economic rights should his career continue to develop.
“It also demonstrates clearly the excellent work of our scouting and coaching staff, and further emphasises Motherwell as the club for young footballers to progress.”
Everyone at Motherwell FC would like to thank Reece for his time at Fir Park and wish him every success in his future career.