The local media in Norwich have reported that Port Vale youngster Rhys Walters played a trial game for the club this week.
The future of Walters at the club has been the subject of much speculation. The youth teamer broke into the first-team in 2022 and was one of a number of youngsters to be offered a pro deal. However, Walters’ contract was the subject of protracted negotiations and to date has not been signed. Meanwhile, his former youth team colleagues Jack Shorrock, Ben Lomax, James Plant and Arron Davies have all agreed deals with the Valiants.
Walters then suffered an injury which ruled him out of action and together with his unsigned contract appeared to put his career at the club in limbo. Meanwhile, social media posts showed him undergoing rehabilitation at the stadium which prompted speculation as to whether he would remain with the Vale.
According to a report in the Norwich Pink Un newspaper:
Norwich City handed Port Vale midfielder Rhys Walters a trial in the U21s late Premier League Cup defeat against Exeter.
Walters, who turned 19 on November 18, is understood to have been on trial with other clubs after turning down a contract extension from the League Two side after their relegation from the third tier last season.
There has been no formal announcement of a departure from Vale Park, but all signs points to Walters trying to earn a professional deal elsewhere.
Walters made his debut as a sixteen year-old coming on as a sub in an October 2022 Football League Trophy game against Wolves. He has made thirteen starts and eight substitute appearances for the club with eleven of his games in the League. His last appearance for the club was in a 0-0 draw with Cambridge United in April 2024.
Rhys Walters Factfile
Age: 19
Vale appearances: 22
Goals: 0
He needs to stay with the Vale. We are going places within Big Dave and will be in the championship in a few years. He could be one of the main players along with the others