There are no doubts surrounding Southampton’s wealth of European talent within their current squad after Ronald Koeman came into the club and added his own talent and utilised the club’s incredible recruitment system to notch some excellent, hidden talents.
However, long gone are the days that Southampton would look into the lower leagues of English football to pursue future, or present, talent.
A key example of how beneficial the method of signing young and talented players from lower leagues that are standing out has been shown by Tottenham this season, as midfielder Dele Alli’s simply superb displays for Spurs have earned him many plaudits, along with an England call up at such a young age.
Here are five lower league players that I feel as though Southampton should consider making a move for in the summer.
Zach Clough
Before last season, not many people outside of Bolton had heard of the youngster, however after bursting on the scene with a series of excellent striking displays, Clough is truly making a name for himself.
Being Bolton’s prized asset, he would not leave the club cheaply, however after his future looks increasingly exciting, a club such as Southampton should be looking to make a move for one of the Championship’s most promising talents.
Clough has scored nine goals for Bolton since his debut last year.
Kemar Roofe
Another forward that has been grabbing headlines in the lower leagues has been Kemar Roofe, of Oxford United.
Roofe has been highly impressive so far this season, bagging goals frequently at the age of 23 as he has found his feet with the League Two side in recent times, as shown this season by bagging eleven goals in 28 for his side.
The pacey forward impressed against Swansea in the FA Cup, as he netted twice to be the difference in a 3-2 win over the Premier League side.
Lewis Cook
Cook is one of the Championship’s most up and coming talents, featuring frequently in the midfield for Leeds and being recognised for his excellent talents on the ball.
Capable of scoring from long range and renowned by the Leeds faithful for his work rate and vision, the 19-year-old would be an asset to any Premier League side that would be looking to find yet another excellent talent from the lower leagues.
Moussa Dembele
The Fulham forward, touted for a move to Tottenham last January, has been absolutely sublime for the Championship side this season, leading the line at the age of just 19 but showing great maturity up front.
The Frenchman’s tenacious manner and clinical finishing has made him one of the country’s hottest prospects and one that Southampton could benefit from pursuing.
Dominic Iorfa
The Wolves full-back has gone from strength to strength this season becoming a mainstay in their team and earning plenty of praise for his disciplined, strong performances at the back.
Iorfa has made 49 appearances for Wolves at a young age and his defensive versatility would be an asset to the Southampton side.