Roc Nation, the talent agency founded by musician Jay-Z, is continuing to grow its pool of talent, having acquired ‘two of the most exciting next gen’ football stars, Jacob Neptune and Samuel Lusale.
The organisation boasts some illustrious names from the world of sport including the likes of Vinicius Jr and Kevin De Bruyne. Rugby stars Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje and Siya Kolisi are also signed to the group, as well as musicians Rihanna and Alicia Keys.
Neptune, 16, currently plays as a central defender for Reading, while Lusale, also 16, plays on the wing for Crystal Palace.
Roc Nation says the pair are ‘two of the most exciting next gen talents of their age-level’ and highlighted the ‘immense potential’ of the two players.
Global director of football recruitment, Nathan Campbell, claimed it was an exciting step in the careers of the emerging talents.
Jay-Z’s talent agency Roc Nation has continued to grow it’s exciting pool of talent having signed two promising young talents
Crystal Palace winger Samuel Lusale, 16, has signed with talent agency Roc Nation
Jacob Neptune, 16, of Reading FC, also signed with Jay-Z’s agency, which boasts some big names from the world of football
‘Both players fit the Roc Nation DNA that we look for in young players,’ he said. ‘
‘The talented teenagers are both currently playing to a very high level, but have so much more potential to fulfil, which will undoubtedly help them to make the transition to first team football.
‘Jacob values defending, which is rare in young players these days, and his ability to remain composed in possession and play out from the back is superb.
‘As he develops tactically, there is no doubt that he will improve even further.
It comes after Roc Nation announced the acquisition of football scout Adam Hitch from Adidas
‘Samuel is a very exciting attacking player who has an abundance of ability.
‘He’s a late developer, having come into the academy system at a later age, but it’s so exciting to contemplate the incredible heights he can reach as he matures both physically and technically.’
Neptune is described as a no-nonsense defender. He possesses an excellent distribution game, leadership skills and a well-rounded skillset that has seen him rise to becoming the captain of the U16 side.
Lusale brings bags of pace to the Crystal Palace U16 side’s attack. He is a versatile forward who can play on either wing and devastate opponents with his lightning speed. His recent form has seen him receive a call up for Slovakia and has scored a goal and an assist to help the national side qualify for the U17 Euros.
Roc Nation currently boasts a very impressive roster of players including Vinicius Jr (left) and Kevin De Bruyne (right)
It comes as Roc Nation have been growing their football scouting operations, having acquired football talent spotter Adam Hitch from Adidas to lead their European scouting network at the start of this month.
Hitch will take on the position of recruitment for UK and Europe, having worked with agency Kin Partners before joining Adidas as London and south scouting manager in 2018. He was subsequently promoted to scouting manager in 2023.