Chelsea's Nigerian defender chooses to join Southampton over Brighton, Crystal Palace

Championship side Southampton have beaten Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Brighton to the services of Chelsea defender of Nigerian descent, Derrick Abu.

Abu trialed at Crystal Palace at the back end of last season and was also courted by the Seagulls, but has opted to join the Saints because he feels he has a chance of breaking into their first team in the not too distant future. 

According to transfer market journalist Nathan Gissing who wrote on his Twitter page on Thursday, the right-back is on the verge of joining Southampton on a free transfer.

Abu is set to leave Chelsea when his contract expires at the end of the season as confirmed by the club's retained and released players' list published on the Premier League website last week.

The 19-year-old initially joined Chelsea's U11 side and went on to make 32 appearances in the league for the Blues' U18s and development squad.

He signed his first professional contract with the London-based club in 2021 but was unable to feature for the senior side.

It has now been confirmed that the Flying Eagles-eligible defender will be plying his trade in the Championship next season with Southampton bar any last-minute changes.

The Saints are preparing for life in England's second-tier division after getting relegated from the Premier League last season.

With key players expected to depart in the summer, it has become imperative for the club to make additions to the side ahead of a hectic season in the Championship.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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