Four Southampton starlets who could impress Still in pre-season
One of Southampton’s most impressive players during the summer transfer window was Tyler Dibling, who went on
to have a breakthrough Premier League season.
As Will Still leads his first preseason training camp as Saints manager, more players will be eager to emulate him.
Following their senior engagement at the end of the previous season, Joachim Kayi Sanda and Jay Robinson are not
included on this list.
We’ve picked out four academy talents who could catch the eye of new boss Still during pre-season training this
summer…
Dom Ballard
Striker Dom Ballard has featured heavily in images and videos shared by Saints in pre-season, suggesting he will get
his chance this summer.
The 20 year old is in the final year of his contract at Southampton, and could be playing for his future on the south
coast during preparations for the 2025/26 campaign.
Despite being a born goal scorer for the under-21 team, Ballard struggled to score consistently during his loan stints
with Cambridge United and Blackpool last season.
But his goals helped propel Saints to the Premier League 2 play-off final, which helped him regain the support of fans
who want to see him given a chance.
“This is where I want to be when I return next year. Ballard told the Daily Echo in May, “I want to stay here, but I
need to see the pathway first.”
Romeo Akachukwu
appearances for Waterford before joining Saints.
The 18 year old felt the effects of his senior involvement at the end of last season. The Irish league starts in February,
meaning Akachukwu had played a year and a half of football by the time the campaign concluded.
Akachukwu should recuperate from his summer break in time to play for the first team during preseason, and
midfield absences may work to his advantage.
Joe Aribo and Mateus Fernandes have not yet been spotted in preseason, which may give the Irishman a chance to
play against Eastleigh the following weekend.
In a 5-3 Carabao Cup triumph over Cardiff City at the beginning of the previous season, Akachukwu made his senior
debut for Saints.
Moses Sesay
Moses Sesay, a young England player, has also joined Still’s squad for their preseason training camp in London.
The 18-year-old had a successful finish to the 2024–25 season as his impact on the under-21 team increased every week.
Sesay is eager for senior football and signed a long-term professional contract earlier this year, demonstrating how
highly the Saints regard him.
Sesay responded, “I feel like I could, but obviously, it’s just about the right time,” when asked by the Daily Echo if he
could make the first squad. I must see what the gaffer has to say.
“People have different paths, I wouldn’t mind playing first-team football here! But if I have to make that next step to
go on loan, then I have to do it.”
Dylan Moody
Goalkeeper Dylan Moody is no stranger to senior team involvement, despite only turning 17 earlier this year.
While the England youth international has not made his debut yet, he regularly travelled with the first team last
season, serving as the third-choice goalkeeper.
The teenager, who has previously impressed staff, is the son of England World Cup-winning flanker Lewis Moody
and has to capture Still’s attention.
Moody has a better opportunity of impressing new goalie coach Rubén Martínez because Joe Lumley has left and
Aaron Ramsdale hasn’t returned for preseason yet.
Due to departures from that squad, Moody, who has only participated in a few under-21 games, may see an increase
in his engagement in that age group this season.
Read more news on https://www.sportupdates.co.uk/
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