Southampton have confirmed that nine of their academy players will depart the club this summer upon the expiry of their contracts, as detailed in the Premier League’s official retained and released lists for the 2024/25 season.

Among those set to leave is 21-year-old Derrick Abu, who joined Saints from Chelsea two years ago. The defender played a key role in Southampton’s run to the Premier League 2 play-off final and now departs St Mary’s after a notable stint at youth level.

Abu will be joined in leaving the club by fellow play-off final teammates Josh McNamara and Lewis Payne, alongside goalkeeper Josh Lett.

In addition to these players on professional terms, five academy scholars have also been released: James Martin, Tevin Myers, Alfie Prescott, Ben Sheaf, and Harry Upstell.

Meanwhile, Southampton have confirmed a substantial list of young talents who are being retained, with several players continuing on professional contracts. These include Romeo Akachukwu, Will Armitage, Zach Awe, Dom Ballard, Sonnie Davis, Baylee Dipepa, and Victor Udoh, among others.

The club have also retained a group of scholars such as Hansel Adjei-Afriyie, Cameron Frederick, and Thierry Rohart-Brown, while new contracts have been offered to several players, including Princewill Ehibatiomhan and Ben Reeves, the latter in a player-coach capacity.

The changes form part of Southampton’s ongoing academy restructuring as the club seeks to build a competitive foundation for the future following the conclusion of the 2024/25 campaign.