After 17 years with the club, Southampton winger Jake Hesketh has confirmed he will be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.
Although there is not yet a formal announcement from the club, the 25-year-old – who has been plying his trade with the Saints since 2004 – confirmed his departure on social media.
Writing on Instagram, he said:
“After 17 years and a childhood dream achieved, time to leave @southamptonfc grateful for the memories, the opportunities and meeting some unbelievable people and mates for life. Looking forward to the future. Been a pleasure.”
Progressing through the youth ranks from under-9s level, Ronald Koeman eventually handed the youngster his Premier League debut back in 2014 against Manchester United.
In that time, the attacker has enjoyed loan spells with Burton Albion, Milton Keynes Dons, Lincoln City and Crawley Town in recent seasons, though Hesketh has been excluded from first-team plans at Southampton since the 2016/17 season.
Southampton youngsters past and present in Matt Targett and Nathan Tella took to Instagram to show their love to Hesketh, with Tella indicating it was ‘a pleasure’ to play alongside Hesketh.
Read Southampton Verdict
Although it is never easy to see such a loyal servant and a home-grown talent leaving the club, Hesketh has remained a peripheral option for some time. With a lack of ample first-team opportunities, Hesketh appears to be taking his future into his own hands.
Departing as a free agent, Hesketh will be given a fresh lease of footballing life in his career with a view to finding a settled home offering regular first-team football.
Appearing unlikely to force his way into Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Premier League plans, the decision is likely to be an amicable one for all parties.
