Being on the team list doesn’t mean they exist in real life. Only a physical manifestation, in a Saints kit, with lower limbs intact, moving like a footballer, means they are real and possibly earning their salary. Is there unedited video evidence?
Nicholas Oyekunle bagged 4 goals tonight as the u18s beat Norwich 5-0. He is now the top scorer in the u18s Premier League with 18 goals in 16 games.
People saw them on the pitch. An eye witness said "the ball seemed to go right through them, and when the ref blew for halftime, there were just 2 crumpled football kits blowing around"
Friday 28th February 2025 Southampton U21's V Wolverhampton U21's 19:00 ko 1 - 0 Robinson 9 Minutes 1 - 1 Angel 45 + 3 Minutes 1 - 1 Half Time. 2 - 1 Robinson 88 Minutes. (Assist from Furkan Malak) 2 - 1 Full Time.
Saturday 1st March 2025. U-18PL Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton 1 - 0 Thompson 17 Minutes (Pen) 2 - 0 Williams Barnett 38 Minutes. 2 - 1 Sillah Dibaga 44 Minutes 2 - 1 Half Time 2 - 2 McMullan 49 Minutes 2 - 3 Oyekunle 75 Minutes 2 - 4 Gathercole 79 Minutes 2 - 4 Full Time
Saints u18s are now 2nd in the league with a game in hand (1pt behind). U21s are 4th (out of 26 teams). Despite the high-profile departures (Amo, Meghoma, Gomes etc), the academy is really thriving under SR. Expect the likes of Sesay and Oyekunle to break through next season.
Being in the Championship next season, should give an opportunity to some of the youngsters to prove themselves. If not players like Oyekunle will leave like previous youngsters. They’re now competing and beating, regularly, some of the bigger youth academy teams. Personally I’d give one or two a chance this season as there isn’t much to play for this season, and the club needs to be looking at a promotion push.
