Southampton sign ex-Chelsea defender who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles

Born in Regensburg, Germany, to Nigerian parents, the former Chelsea right-back has signed for Southampton after he was released.

Former Chelsea U-21 right-back who is of Nigerian origin, Derrick Abu, has penned a deal with Southampton F.C, Soccernet.ng reports

After his contract with Chelsea expired last season, the 19-year-old joined the U-21 side of the relegated Southampton. He will look to become a regular and continue developing with The Saints U-21 side.

The club announced the transfer officially on their Twitter account and confirmed that he would join their youth team, which will be playing Premier League 2 games in the coming season.

✍️ Abu arrives 👋

We can confirm the signing of defender Derrick Abu, who joins #SaintsFC Under-21s for the 2023/24 season:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 5, 2023

The right-back joined on a two-year deal and expressed his delight after signing with Southampton. Speaking to the Club’s official website, Abu said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be here. I can’t wait to start. I’ve spoken to the players and managers, and I’m so excited. I honestly can’t wait.”

He also mentioned what made him choose Southampton amidst interest from Crystal Palace, where he has gone on trial before.

He added: “It was mainly the project that attracted me and the long-term vision of where the club will be. I spoke to the directors, and what they saw and how I could benefit this club definitely took me straight away.”

Derrick is eligible to play for Nigeria, Germany and the English national team, and has represented England at youth level and is keeping his options open.

The defender, who will link up with other players of Nigerian descent like Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu in the squad, strongly desires to represent all three nations before eventually making his preferred choice.

Derrick joined Chelsea in 2012 and spent over a decade at the Club’s youth system, but could not make any first-team appearances.