The former Premier League prodigy who turned down a ten-year contract with Barcelona at the age of 14 is now a free agent after being released from his 15th different club.

A former Premier League prodigy who was offered a decade-long contract with Spanish giants Barcelona has just been released from the 15th different club of his career.

The midfielder, now 32, was part of Crystal Palace’s youth program when the Catalan club made him the offer when he was 14.

However, his career took a different path, with a number of other clubs, including several loan spells and gigs with teams in Canada, Belgium, France and Turkey.

John Bostock signed an 18-month contract with Notts County in December 2022, with the team moving from the National League to League Two via the play-off final the following summer.

He has now been named on Notts County’s list of released players following the end of his contract with the club.

Former Premier League prodigy who turned down Barcelona aged 14 is now without a club

John Bostock was released from Notts County after finishing 14th in League Two

The club’s statement read: “John and Tobi (Adebayo) are two other players who have established themselves as great characters at the club.

“As well as being a very professional and calming presence off the pitch, John put in many excellent performances for us – notably at Wembley, where his incredibly composed play and all-important equalizer were crucial in us winning the promotion, him and his team – so richly deserved friends.’

Bostock scored in the 88th minute with a long shot that eluded Chesterfield goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons.

Despite Panenka’s penalty hitting the bar in the deciding shootout, Notts County emerged 4-3 winners to return to the League.

Bostock captained England at under-17 level in the late 2000s and also played at under-19 level, but never made the step up to the under-21s or the senior team.

His success from a young age allowed him to attract the attention of many big names in European football, telling the BBC in 2020: “When I was 14, Barcelona offered me a 10-year contract.

“Ronaldinho was my favorite player at the time, so they sent me a signed poster from him. I still have it at home in London. It said: ‘To John from Ronaldinho.’

“You name the club, they interested me. Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid, Inter (Milan), Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool: the elite of European football.

He eventually left Palace for Tottenhama decision he later regretted, but he never played in the Premier League for Spurs, instead being loaned out to a series of lower league teams, as well as Toronto FC in Canada.

After his time with Spurs ended, he played for Royal Antwerp and OH Leuven in Belgium, Lens and Toulouse in France, Bursaspor in Turkey, and spent 18 months with League One side Doncaster Rovers before joining Notts County at the end of 2022.

Alongside Bostock and Adebayo, Jim O’Brien, Richard Brindley and Aden Baldwin are also leaving Notts County at the end of their contracts.

Connell Rawlinson has transferred, Luther Munakandafa will also leave, while Aidan Stone and Will Randall are free to pursue other clubs.

Bostock’s youth career at Crystal Palace attracted interest from many top European clubs

Notts County finished nine points off the playoff places in their first season since promotion

However, Notts County have retained the services of Cedwyn Scott for a further year, while Geraldo Bajrami has been offered the chance to extend his stay.

Following promotion to League Two, Notts County finished the campaign in 14th place, nine points off the playoff places.