Continuing their longtime focus of signing and developing young talent, Southampton have now made another move for a young player.
Southampton Sign Jacob Maddox on Loan from Chelsea
Saints Move Ends Rough Patch for Maddox
Confirmed late on transfer deadline day, Southampton have officially signed midfielder Jacob Maddox on loan from Chelsea.
According to reports, the move could become a permanent one with Southampton possessing the option to buy Maddox at the season’s end.
Joining the Chelsea Academy from Bristol City back in 2013, Jacob Maddox has been a player to watch for the Blues’ youth sides.
Making a combined 85 appearances for Chelsea’s youth teams, Maddox has gradually worked his way up at Stamford Bridge.
However, due to Chelsea’s incredibly bulky roster size, Maddox’s progress appears to have halted in recent years.
Joining League Two side Cheltenham Town on loan last season, Maddox time at Chelsea appeared to be over.
Despite the fact that he made 44 appearances for the Robins, Maddox’s appeared to be forgotten by the Blues.
Extremely successful during his time at Cheltenham, Maddox failed to make an impact upon his return to Chelsea.
Sent out on loan to start this season, Maddox’s nightmare became even more real during his time at Tranmere Rovers.
Joining the League One side back in August, Maddox went on to make just a single appearance for Tranmere.
Struggling for match time, Maddox was then recalled by Chelsea at the beginning of January.
Jacob Maddox a Signing for the Future at Southampton
Failing to return to action with the Chelsea Under 23’s, Maddox was once again forced to depart the club.
This time, however, his Chelsea exit may become a permanent one.
Joining Southampton on an initial loan deal, it has been reported that Maddox will soon become a permanent member of the Saints roster.
Expected to join up immediately with the Southampton Under 23’s, Maddox will finally get the time he needs to continue his development.
With Southampton’s track record for developing talent, the 21-year-old midfielder joins a club that will undoubtedly support his development.
Another factor in this will also be Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Managing a club renowned for its youth academy, Hasenhuttl has placed an emphasis this season on signing promising young players.
Keeping his side young and fresh, Hasenhuttl has dedicated an extreme amount of time to developing these young players.
While Maddox may initially join the Saints youth team, the former promising England Under 20 international will be expected to soon make the jump to the Saints first team.
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