Southampton have taken young Scottish midfielder Ethan Ross on trial with a potential deal with the club’s B team on offer if he impresses.
This is according to reports from Hampshire Live and Football Insider, who reveal Ross was recently released by Aberdeen but now has an opportunity to earn a contract on the South Coast.
A winger capable of playing on either flank and even filling in as a central-midfielder, the 19-year-old has caps for Scotland Under-19s and will be looking to make the next steps in his career.
Saints’ B team suffered relegation to Division Two of Premier League 2 last season and coaching staff will be hoping that incoming players like Ross can turn their own fortunes around whilst also, more importantly, proving that they can be first-team players in the future.
🚨 As first reported by @FootyInsider247, I am told #SaintsFC have taken Aberdeen teenager Ethan Ross on trial this summer.
— Tom Leach (@TomLeachCCFC) July 18, 2021
He is training with Saints B and is looking to land a contract.https://t.co/BFS0TgWPgc
Southampton to benefit from Ross’ contract talks breakdown
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Via nottheoldfirm.com, we can hear see some quotes from Aberdeen Director of Football Steven Gunn on the situation.
It appears that the player and his representatives made negotiations difficult and were unwilling to agree a new deal at Pittodrie after Sunderland showed interest in signing Ross, but this has now led to a chance to earn a deal at St Mary’s.
It seems as though Saints have been the quickest club to act on this developing situation, although they must have been watching Ross from afar for a while.
His record is not particularly impressive in terms of goals and assists but he has still amassed 12 appearances for Aberdeen despite his tender age. His loan spell at Raith Rovers in 2020/21 was said to have caught the eye of Sunderland who presumably saw him fitting in well at League One level.
Saints will be looking at their academy recruitment this summer in a bid to revitalise a youth system that has not produced as many first-team talents as they would have liked in the recent past.