Southampton confirm 2024/25 scholars intake as players sign deals

Four youngsters proudly put pen to paper after developing through the ranks at Saints academy, joining as early as five years old.

Two were signed last season from local side Reading as part of a new recruitment focus, while a further two are new signings altogether.

Here are the eight players who will make up the latest intake of scholars at Southampton Football Club...

Korban McMullan - 16 - Midfielder

McMullan has been in the Saints pathway since 5yrs old, initially at a development centre in Weston.

He made his under-18s debut in the 2022/23 season and has registered six appearances in total across the last two years.

Nsemi Bassega - 16 - Winger

Bassega can play anywhere across the front three and joins Saints after a successful trial at the end of last season. 

He was at West Ham’s academy but spent the last couple of seasons out of academy football at a grassroots level.

Cameron Frederick - 16 - CB

Cameron Frederick (Image: Southampton FC)

Joined in January 2024 from Reading, as first revealed by the Daily Echo. Frederick describes himself as a "leader, courageous on the pitch."

Tipped by recruitment staff as a big coup in the under-16s age group and will now be given chance to progress in professional phase.

Leo Umeh - 16 - Winger

Umeh has just joined Saints from Chelsea, after departing the West London club and signing a scholarship at St Mary's.

The winger is described as a: "Direct player who likes to create chances."

Thierry Rohart-Brown - 16 - Midfielder

Rohart-Brown arrived in October 2023 from League One Reading and made 14 appearances last season across the age groups. 

As well as appearances in the under-18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup, he scored on his under-21s debut in the Premier League International Cup.

Dylan Moody - 16 - Goalkeeper

Shot-stopper Moody has been at the club since he was eight years old and is hoping to become another success story from the Bath Development Centre. 

He broke into the under-18s last season, making 13 apps across all competitions, and went on to train with the first team last season. 

Harry Gathercole - 16 - Attacking midfielder

Gathercole has been at the club since the under-9s age group and made his under-18s debut during the 2022/23 campaign. 

The talented attacking midfielder has now played five times in the last two seasons for the under-18s ahead of signing his scholarship.

Hansel Adjei-Afriyie - 15 - Right-back

Another who has followed the pathway, Adjei-Afriyie has been at the club since he was seven having been spotted in the Southampton development centre.

He made his under-18s debut in 2022/23 - his only appearance so far at that level. He said: “I’ve been here a long time and I love the club, so it’s a really proud moment”