Youngster Alex Iwumene joins Saints Academy

The 17-year-old midfielder joins the club from Sutton United, where he worked hard on his development from grassroots level football alongside playing for Onside Academy and 360 Talent.

On signing for Saints, Iwumene said: “I’m delighted to sign my scholarship with Southampton. It’s a proud moment for me and my family, signing my scholarship with a category one academy. Not many people can do it.

“I’m hoping to push on from here and not only develop as a player but as a young man.

“My footballing journey has been good. I haven't really been in a football academy, so this will be my first. I’ve just been playing grassroots and showcase.”

With a few weeks to become accustom to his new environment, Alex has already settled in well at Staplewood.

“Everyone has been good,” he continued. “All of the coaches are amazing and the way they play football is really good.

“I see myself fitting in quite well, I’m quite an attacking player and it seems that the club’s philosophy is attacking so I feel like I’ll do well here.

“My expectations for the coming year are to develop as much as a player and see where the next two years can take me. Hopefully I can push on to the 23s and to the first team.”

“It’s an amazing feeling to be at a professional club as big as Southampton, with a history as rich as Southampton, it’s an amazing feeling.”

Head of Academy Operations, Robin Nicholls, shared a similar sentiment on Iwumene's arrival: "We are excited to welcome Alex to the club. We hope we can provide the right platform for him to continue his development."