Why a new deal for Jake Vokins is good news for Southampton
According to Sky Sports, Southampton starlet Jake Vokins has signed a new four-year deal after enjoying a first-team breakthrough during the 2019-20 season.
The 20-year-old made only three senior appearances for the Saints last term but has been offered fresh terms to extend his stay at St.Mary’s until 2024.
Profile
Born in Oxford, Vokins was scouted by Southampton at the tender age of 6 and joined the club’s youth system back in 2008.
The left-back signed his first professional contract with the Saints in September 2018, having impressed for the U-23 side, before making his senior debut in a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City in the EFL Cup on October 29, 2019.
Vokins was afforded his first senior start by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in Southampton’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town in January. The homegrown full-back also made his Premier League debut following the restart, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Burnley.
A new deal makes perfect sense
To put things into perspective, Jake Vokins only made a handful of appearances for Southampton last season but his talent and potential was there for everyone to witness. The 20-year-old more than held his own in front of older and more established opposition, which is a clear indication that he belongs to this level and is capable of thriving there for several years to come.
Southampton have made it a priority to promote young talent from their academy ever since the appointment of Ralph Hasenhuttl. Homegrown prospects like Michael Obafemi, Jake Vokins, Yan Valery and William Smallbone have made a positive impression alongside highly-rated young recruits like Moussa Djenepo among others.
Hence, it’s clear that the Saints are making a genuine attempt to build a solid platform for the future and a new deal for Vokins seems like an excellent long-term investment for the club.
Moreover, Southampton don’t have much cover beyond veteran Ryan Bertrand in the left-back department. The former Chelsea man is already 31 and Vokins could be set for a more prominent role in the first-team next season, with fixtures set to come thick and fast until Christmas due to the delayed start.
Read More
- Why Southampton should offer Jack Stephens a new deal
- Why Southampton should avoid a move for Danny Welbeck
- Opinion: Kamil Jozwiak could be a good signing for Southampton
Verdict
From Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale to Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Southampton have had little luck in trying to keep hold of their prized academy graduates over the years.
It might be too early to say but there have been signs to suggest that Jake Vokins could be the next big star to emerge from the Saints’ reputed youth system. With that in mind, Southampton seem to have completed a shrewd piece of business with a new deal for the young left-back.
