Southampton announce major coups with four academy signings

The quartet of additions will link up with Simon Rusk's under-21s and bring with them a wide range of experiences in the youth and men's games. 

Baylee Dipepa, a 17 year old striker, arrives after a breakthrough couple of seasons with Port Vale and commits his future to the club in a long-term deal.

Midfielder Noel Buck, 19, makes the journey across the pond as he joins from New England Revolution on a loan until January with an option to buy.

Right-back Sam Tabares, 17, signs a deal until 2026 at Saints after impressing over the past season in Fulham's academy.

Dundee United's youngest-ever player, 18 year old forward Rory MacLeod, joins Southampton on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

With over 30 senior appearances already under his belt, Dipepa caught the eyes after making his senior debut at Port Vale as a 16 year old.

New Saints striker Baylee Dipepa, 17 (Image: Southampton FC)

The England under-18 youth international won his club's Young Player of the Year award with three goals in his first season of senior football in League One.

Academy Director, Andy Goldie said: "Baylee is an exciting young talent who has excelled at both first team and international level over the past 18 months.

"He is a player we're very much looking forward to developing further. His raw potential and quality is something we believe will not only enhance the Under-21s forward line this season, but provide him with a great opportunity to build on the success he has already had so far."

Dipepa added: "It's a big moment for me, I'm delighted to get it done. I've already gained some good experience at a young age so I can't thank Port Vale enough.

"I want to break through to the first team as quickly as possible, but I just want to show my abilities and be as successful as I can."

Highly-rated midfielder Buck has already played over 50 senior games in the MLS after rising through the ranks in America.

New Saints midfielder Noel Buck, 19 (Image: Southampton FC)

He has represented England at youth level by qualifying through family heritage and will now play professional football in the country for the first time. 

"Noel joins us with over 50 professional games under his belt with New England Revolution, and representing England at various age groups," Goldie said.

"That experience, and how he performed on those stages, makes him a really interesting signing for us.

"The deal provides a great opportunity for us to work closely and learn more about his long-term potential over the coming months."

Buck said: "Southampton is a great club and I'm really happy to be here, I've always wanted to come play in England.

"My family is English so it's been a dream of mine. I like to think I'm a machine, I can do a bit of everything and I'll work hard to try and help the team win."

Defender Tabares only joined Fulham in January 2023, but excelled at under-18s level and broke into the under-21s to earn a professional contract.

On the third addition, Goldie added, "Samuel has incredible athleticism and can play a number of positions across the back line.

"This provides him and us with a great opportunity to continue his accelerated development from grassroots to professional football.

"He provides the under-21s squad with much-needed competition in defence and knowing his character, that’s something he will thrive in."

Tabares said: "I think the atmosphere and the pathway here really sold it to me, it's amazing and a team I want to be part of.

"I'm quick, strong and I like to get in behind from right-back but be defensively solid. I want to solidify myself in the under-21s as much as I can and push towards the first team because I know that's a big part of the club."

A Scottish youth international, forward MacLeod has been a name to follow north of the border for a few years after signing his first professional contract at just 15.

New Saints forward Rory MacLeod (right), 18 (Image: PA)

He became Dundee United's youngest-ever player when he made his debut just six days after his 16th birthday.

He has gone on to make 30 senior appearances with the Tangerines and out on loan, including a spell at Forfar Athletic.

"Having worked with Rory and seen him develop at Dundee United, I am well aware of what he is capable of when he’s at his very best," Goldie insisted. 

"He can play across the forward positions and in midfield, this is a brilliant opportunity for him to showcase that in Premier League 2. He has already featured a number of times in the SPFL and with Scotland at various age groups."