Walsall FC have confirmed that highly-rated striker Luke Pearce has left the club to join Premier League Southampton for an undisclosed 'compensation agreement'.
16-year-old Pearce, a prospect who had already attracted interest from several top-flight clubs has joined the Saints' youth team, led by Academy Manager Matt Hale, penning a two-year scholarship.
In a brief statement, published via the Saddlers' official website, Walsall FC confirm; Walsall Football Club can confirm that we have reached a compensation agreement with Premier League side Southampton for Luke Pearce. The 16-year-old striker joins the Saints with immediate effect. We wish Luke all the best for the future.
It is understood Luke, who formed both part of the Saddlers' Under-18s and development teams last season, turned down the Saddlers' offer of a scholarship in order to make the move down South with the clubs eventually coming to terms on a compensation package.
Speaking via Southampton's official website, Pearce admitted the chance to make the move to a Premier League side wasn't something he was going to turn down, he said; "It means a lot. Most kids dream of getting to this point in their career and coming to a Category One club with facilities like this.
"A couple of years ago if you would have told me I’d be here I wouldn’t have believed you, but you can achieve anything with hard work. I knuckled down and here I am. It’s a dream and an honour to be here. I feel I will fit in well here."
Speaking via Southampton's official website, Pearce admitted the chance to make the move to a Premier League side wasn't something he was going to turn down, he said; "It means a lot. Most kids dream of getting to this point in their career and coming to a Category One club with facilities like this.
"A couple of years ago if you would have told me I’d be here I wouldn’t have believed you, but you can achieve anything with hard work. I knuckled down and here I am. It’s a dream and an honour to be here. I feel I will fit in well here."
We would like to with Luke all the best on his new move.
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