Back to the Southampton Newsfeed

Everton's youngest ever player, Thierry Small, is set to join Southampton despite interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus after turning down his first pro contract... with 17-year-old concerned at lack of first-team chances at Goodison

Everton's youngest ever player Thierry Small is leaving the club to join Southampton.

Small was just 16 years and 176 days when he came on as a late substitute against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup last January to break the club record held by Jose Baxter.

He was offered a first professional contract but declined to sign it amid concerns about his pathway to the first team.

Thierry Small was just 16 years and 176 days old on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday

The athletic 17-year-old left back, who has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, Juventus, Arsenal and Aston Villa, had failed to turn up for pre-season training in a show of his intent and has now cancelled his scholarship contract.