English Premier League club, Southampton have confirmed the signing of Nigerian forward Victor Udoh in a deadline-day deal before the close of the January transfer window on Monday night.
Udoh, 20, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with the Saints, pending international clearance.
He will initially join Southampton’s Under-21 squad as he continues his development.
In the summer of 2023, Udoh made the leap from Nigeria to Belgium, signing for Royal Antwerp.
Udoh wasted no time making an impact, netting 12 goals in 21 matches for Antwerp’s junior team in the Belgian third tier during the 2023/24 season.
Since joining the Belgian Pro League side from Hypebuzz FC Academy in Abuja in 2023, his prolific form earned him a promotion to the senior squad, where he has since made 28 appearance.
However, the left-footed Nigerian starlet didn’t register a goal at the top level.
The majority of his first-team appearances have come as late substitute cameos, and since December, he has primarily featured for Antwerp’s under-23 side in the third division.
A club statement confirmed the transfer, saying:
“Southampton Football Club is pleased to confirm it has completed the transfer of attacker Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp, subject to international clearance.”
Udoh follows in the footsteps of fellow Nigerian players like Alhassan Yusuf and Chidera Ejuke, who have also moved on from Antwerp in recent windows.
Once his clearance is finalized, Udoh will begin training with his new teammates as he looks to make an impact at the club.
His arrival adds him to the list of Nigerians who have represented Southampton, including Paul Onuachu, Joe Aribo, and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Udoh’s First Steps with Nigeria U17s
Victor Udoh has already had a taste of international football, having represented Nigeria at the U17 level.
A promising talent with an exciting future ahead, he was among the select group of players called up by coach Fatai Amoo for the U17 AFCON WAFU B qualifiers held in Lomé, Togo, from January 5 to January 10, 2021.
It will be exciting to watch his career progress, and fans will be eager to see him continue developing with the hope of eventually earning a spot in the Super Eagles squad.
