Nigeria-eligible defender: Ex-Arsenal player joins Derrick Abu and Aribo at Southampton

Southampton have secured the services of former Arsenal and Super Eagles eligible defender until 2026 on a free transfer.

Former Premier League side, Southampton, have secured the services of former Arsenal defender, Zachariah Olumide Awe, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Championship side have been busy in the transfer all summer, with a key change in their transfer philosophy, as they look to have been tracking more youngsters with the hope that they'll develop and mature into Premier League-level footballers, and took to their Twitter page to announce the addition of their latest talent, English Zach Awe.

“Seeing how Southampton play and the plan, I'm very excited.” 👏

Watch Zach Awe's first #SaintsFC interview:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 8, 2023

Speaking to the club's official website, Awe expressed his delight after signing for the club; “It's amazing, it's something I have been looking forward to for a very long time.”

His delight goes beyond just signing for the club, the nineteen-year-old made it clear that he loved the style of play and the winning mentality that The Saints imbibe into their youth.

“Leaving Arsenal and seeing how Southampton play under Russell [Martin] and the plan, I'm very excited to join. Obviously, the Under 21's won the league last year so it will be good to be part of that group and help improve the team and win some more games.”

In reaction to Awe's signing, Southampton's Academy Director Andy Goldie couldn't hold back his excitement.

“We are excited to see what Zach can achieve here at Southampton Football Club.”

The former Swansea City Academy manager switched to Saint Mary's just over a month ago. He is confident that Zach will develop with the opportunities he will get at the club.

“He's a player who we believe will not only thrive within the club-wide game model and our player development strategy, but also enhance the depth of talent we have in the 2023/24 season. We hope he will be able to maximise the opportunities that his new teammates have grabbed last season and during pre-season so far.”

The nineteen-year-old joins The Saints on a three-year contract until June 2026. Derrick featured twenty-three times for Arsenal's reserve team in the Premier League 2 last season and was named on the bench for Arsenal's Premier League win at Wolves in February 2022, having continued his development at a rapid rate and is eligible to feature for Nigeria via his parents.