Luke Littler immediately told he can bank £20 MILLION after huge career decision

Luke Littler has been told that his decision to manage himself could earn him around £20 million. The 18-year-old announced his split from management ZXF Sport earlier this week.

The announcement came just before his opening World Grand Prix game in Leicester, where he overcame Gian van Venn. Following the match, Littler confirmed that he is now planning on managing himself.

"I'm on my own. Just as myself, I think it's better,” he told Sportsboom.

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"Obviously I've got my family to support me and obviously Martin [Foulds] had done his job, but I think it was the right time. Booking flights, hotels and all that stuff and we're on our own.

"I'm going to have help from Garry [Plummer] at Target as well. It's going to be massive; we're going in the right direction.

"No one knows what's been going on behind the scenes. And I won't be saying anything, but it was just the right time."

Littler confirmed the split from his management on social media. "I want to say a massive thank you to @Zxfsports, and especially @MartinFoulds5, for everything they’ve done for me so far in my career,” he wrote.

“We’ve had some amazing times together over the last five years and I’ll always be grateful for the advice and support that’s helped me get to this point.

"As my career moves forward and the schedule gets busier, we’ve agreed it’s the right time for me to take the next step with new representation. Martin has been brilliant for me and I wish him and everyone at ZXF the very best. Excited for what’s ahead."

Both Littler and his family have now been sent some advice from former World Champion Dennis Priestley. He outlined the potential financial gain but also sent a warning.

Speaking to Boyle Sports, he said: “Luke Littler is too young for all that goes into management. I made that decision after a few years of being managed and it wasn’t for me.

“Good luck to Littler. When I was playing, I’d say to anyone that wanted to manage me, you can have a percentage on the deals that you get me, but nothing out of tournament prize money. Luke’s family must tell him if they spot that he’s neglecting his practice. At the end of the day, he may have noticed how much the old management was taking because it was most likely a large amount.

“Now that he’s managing himself, I think Luke could earn more than double what Phil Taylor did. If he keeps winning and has longevity, I think it could be around £20million.”

Littler is back in World Grand Prix action on Thursday night when he takes on Mike De Decker. The match is due to start at around 8.45pm.