Southampton have confirmed the signing of 16-year-old midfielder Thierry Rohart-Brown from Reading.
The club confirms the news on Monday afternoon, explaining that this deal was part of the deal that allowed Dom Ballard to join the Royals on loan from the Saints for the season.
Rohart-Brown has joined on an initial youth deal, and will link up with the under-18 squad whilst completing his education.
Academy director on Rohart-Brown
After finalising the signing of the talented young midfielder, Academy Director Andy Goldie told the club website:
“We are excited to welcome Thierry and his family to the Academy. After an extensive process by Jack Chapman, Simon Jones and our scouting team, Thierry was our top target given his versatility across our midfield profiles and potential for growth, which we look forward to supporting him with over the coming years.
“Thanks must also go to Mark Bowen and Michael Gilks at Reading, who have been incredibly supportive and professional throughout the process.”
Saints’ new Head of Academy Recruitment, Jack Chapman, also added on Thierry Rohart-Brown’s arrival:
“From a football perspective, we feel that Thierry matches our desired profile moving forwards. His general athleticism, carrying and connecting qualities and his potential for further growth excites us.”
Saints continue to bring in exciting youngsters
Once again, Saints have brought in another highly rated youngster into the club.
Overall, this deal is brilliant for Saints, as they get to bring in an exciting youngster in Rohart-Brown, whilst also loaning one of their highly rated strikers to the division below to get some much needed senior experience.
Ballard has already had a decent start to life at Reading, already scoring three goals for the club, including a brace in a 9-0 win over Exeter in the EFL Trophy.The hope from Southampton will be that both players will play a part for Russell Martin in the near future.