A host of Premier League sides are keen on Harley Emsden-James as Southampton prepare to lose another highly-rated academy talent.
According to the Daily Mail, a host of Premier League clubs are showing interest in Southampton academy talent Harley Emsden-James. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are among those keeping close tabs on the 14-year-old English defensive sensation, with the Saints set to lose another prodigious talent.
Southampton to lose Harley Emsden-James
There has been a silent yet drastic change in the backdrop of English football, with PSR, academy structure, and homegrown quota all playing big roles in this revamp. Top Premier League sides are increasingly conscious of these things, especially improving their academy ranks, as top young talents can become a massive commodity in the near future.
Many clubs are in the process of revamping their academy structure, with budgets, modern coaches, and advanced scouting mechanisms all being introduced to the mix. Many top teams are now allowing separate budgets to boost their academy ranks, which could see some of the famous academies lose the bulk of their talents.
For instance, Southampton are on the brink of losing another one of their prodigious talents, Harley Emsden-James. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are keen on the 14-year-old English defensive sensation, and the Saints will still try to keep hold of the player for a few years at the very least.
Emsden-James has reportedly told the club of his desire to leave this summer, which has further boosted the hopes of many of his top suitors. With the trio of London sides vying for his signature, there could be an intense battle brewing in the background for the 14-year-old’s signature.
Emsden-James is not the only loss for Southampton
Emsden-James’s clear stance of continuing his development elsewhere would have come as a big blow to Southampton’s academy chiefs. The Saints have been one of the best schools in English football, producing notable talents over the years and have continued to develop players at a high rate.
Emsden-James’s departure would not be the first this summer, as Manchester City are closing in on Harrison Miles, while Brighton & Hove Albion about to sign Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez from Southampton. This is not a rate at which the Saints would want a talent drain, where they are not benefiting financially or in the sporting sense.
