The Dutch forward put pen to paper at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, and as he looked back at the 2024/25 campaign, his senior debut against Bolton Wanderers was a standout moment.

“I think for me personally, it's anything a kid could dream of, honestly," he said. "I think the eight minutes I did get, even though I didn't really touch the ball too much, even just getting the opportunity to step on the pitch, it's mind-blowing really.”

Playing in front of such a big crowd can be intimidating, but not for Ismeal, who added: “I think it's just pressure, really, but at the end of the day, pressure forms diamonds.  

“So, I think if you can play under pressure, well, you can play anywhere.”

As well as featuring on the bench for the first team on multiple occasions, Ismeal enjoyed a productive season in our academy last term, something he’s looking to build on in 2025/26.

“I'm very happy with this achievement. I think it's been a good season for me personally.

“I think I've achieved things I didn't really think I was going to achieve at the start of the season.

“I think my main goal this season is to get more goals and assists. I think, apart from that, I think my game's been pretty all round, but I think that final touch is what I need to really be working on.”

The winger was part of our 30-man squad who departed for Hong Kong and Singapore on our 2025 pre-season tour.

The trip served as a learning curve for Ismeal, who looks up to the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the first team.

He said: “I think physically the trip was demanding. Physically, technically, tactically, what the manager wants to play like now, it's a lot, because obviously we're striving for greatness.

“So I think it was hard, but I think I learned a lot from it, definitely.  

“I think all of the players are really helpful, as in they just help you on the pitch. If you make a mistake, they don't really get onto you too much. I think it's a good environment to be around.”