Seeking to add to both their youth ranks and first team depth, Southampton have taken former Millwall striker Abdul Abdulmalik on trial at the club. The 18-year-old former Fulham and Millwall youth forward had been closely monitored by both Arsenal and Watford. Instead, the young Englishman will now fight for a chance to earn a contract with the Saints.
The England youth international had played a big role in the Millwall youth side over the last couple of seasons. Attracting the interest of multiple English Premier League sides, Abdul Abdulmalik has had a busy summer to this point. Now with Southampton, he will try his best to impress the club over the coming weeks.
Southampton Add England U17 International Abdul Abdulmalik on Trial
Chance to Impress
So far this summer, the 18-year-old Englishman has landed pre-season trials with both Watford and Portsmouth. However, despite the hype, Abdulmalik has yet to find himself a new permanent home. Now on trial with Southampton, the former England U17 international will be hoping he can land a spot within the Saints’ prestigious youth ranks.
Impressing during his time with Millwall, Abdulmalik led the young Lions to a quarter final appearance in the FA Youth Cup while also helping the side win the Professional Development League title in 2019/20. Turning down several contract offers from Millwall, Abdulmalik became a free agent at the beginning of the summer.
Since joining up with Southampton, the young Englishman has reportedly impressed. According to a report from Hampshirelive’s Tom Leach, he has already featured in a pre-season friendly for the youth side. Scoring two goals against non-league side AFC Totten, the 18-year-old forward has already made quite the impact.
If a contract is forthcoming, the report states that he would join the Southampton U23 squad for the upcoming campaign. Abdulmalik would also become the third young player to be signed by Southampton in the last week. They have already secured the signature of 19-year-old Dynel Simeu from Chelsea. The Saints then followed this move up by signing 18-year-old youngster Tino Livramento.
With a focus on youth as well as depth, it makes sense for Southampton to target a player like Abdul Abdulmalik. Given time to develop in the Saints reserves, the young Englishman could quickly develop into a future star player for Ralph Hasenhuttl and Southampton.
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