Southampton have had a bid accepted for Queen’s Park prospect Harris Afzal, according to the Daily Record.
Southampton are looking to launch a late push for the play-off spots as they recover from a challenging campaign. Will Still was sacked after a poor start and form faltered under Tonda Eckert too.
However, the Saints are back on track under the German rookie, four points shy of the top six in 11th. While Eckert and co focus on immediate success, the academy are eyeing new prospects for the future.
Now, according to a report from the Daily Record, Southampton have had a bid accepted for teenage left-back Harris Afzal. Scottish Championship side Queen’s Park have agreed a fee with the Saints over the transfer of the 16-year-old.
Afzal has been in and around the first-team in recent weeks, but is now set to make the long journey south. Celtic, Rangers, and a number of top English clubs have been keen, the report adds.
Southampton maintain academy focus in rebuild
Southampton’s exciting Premier League peak was a few years ago now. However, the club have maintained focus on the academy and player development in their bid to return to those heights.
While the Saints bring plenty of talents all the way through their setup, they recruit plenty from other sides too. Afzal looks set to be one of the next through the door as the club build for the next generation.
The appointment of Eckert underwhelmed some but his instillation as permanent first-team boss will only help the progression of youngsters too. He has shown a willingness to call upon academy talents at Southampton and his experience in the youth game should help some top starlets make the jump.
Should the move go through, Afzal will be among the hopefuls to watch in the years to come.
Southampton prospects to watch with Harris Afzal set to sign
As said, Eckert has not been afraid to thrust youngsters into the Southampton first-team since his appointment. Cameron Bragg was the captain of his U21s side and has found senior opportunities this campaign.
Cameron Bragg’s Southampton U21s stats
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 77 | 6 | 20 |
Young striker Nicholas Oyekunle has also been called upon at times. Ross Stewart‘s form and the arrival of Cyle Larin may mean chances are a little more limited over the second half of the season though.
Romeo Akachukwu is another talent to keep an eye on. He had starred for the U21s before a winter loan to Colchester United. In the U18s, Harry Gathercole and Thierry Rohart-Brown are among those to have impressed.
It will be hoped these prospects can develop into senior assets alongside youngsters like Afzal signed from other setups.
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