The former West Ham United youngster claims to have had offers from the two most recent Premier League champions before signing for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Young Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Joseph Joseph has told London News Online of his hurt at leaving West Ham United.
Londoner Joseph only spent six months on West Ham’s books, after a Crystal Palace trial spell came to nothing.
But the 16-year-old ended up at Southend United after the Hammers too let him go, before Wolves came calling earlier this year.
Discussing his journey to Molineux, Joseph said: “The standard was really high (at West Ham), so I was getting better all the time. They have a good academy.
“I was upset to be let go. It hurt. But I did not give up. If I had, I would not be at Wolves now.
“I knew that sometimes you have to go lower to go higher.
“Southend was good for me. There were opportunities to be seen by more scouts.”
Wolves are said to have had Joseph watched by six scouts – including their head of recruitment Joe Monks – before offering him a deal.
And it is claimed the teenager – who hopes to play for England over Uganda – has already signed a professional contract at Molineux.
He added: “(Wolves) had wanted me for a while. Other clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City wanted to talk to me.
“Mum didn’t realise fees could be paid for kids. She’s been telling me to stay focused, despite the money.
“The key is to keep improving. I stay behind to do extra sessions after training ends, getting used to using both feet and heading the ball more. I am always doing things that will make me better, even if it means just watching other players in games. With the right attitude, I have a better chance of getting there.
“If I keep working harder and harder in training I realise that I have a better chance of making it. I play with my older brother as often as possible – he travels up to Wolves with me from Wednesday to Sunday every week.
“My friends are happy for me. They know I work hard at school and at my game. I don’t hang around the wrong type of people.
“I hope I can play in the reserves and the under-23s next season. But most of my games will be in the under-18s.”
Joseph’s fellow defender Dominic Iorfa also arrived at Wolves from Southend United, while another, Kortney Hause, spent time in West Ham’s youth system before heading to Molineux via Wycombe Wanderers.
How far can Joseph go at Wolves?
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