Lawrence signs for Saints Academy

The 19-year-old centre-back will join the club’s B team after impressing during a recent trial period.

Signed from Kent Southern Counties league side Glebe FC, Lawrence spent his youth development phase with Fulham and Crystal Palace before spells at Sutton United and London based Kinetic Academy.

Now arriving on the south coast, the youngster signs a deal until June 2023.

“I feel excited. Delighted to be honest,” said Lawrence. “I’m just hoping we can try and push and achieve things with this team.

“I felt like Southampton has a better pathway than most clubs. Facility-wise it’s good as well. I feel like it will be a great opportunity for me to push on and show what I can do.

“I would say I’m very technical, like to head the ball as well. Over the last couple of weeks I feel like I’ve settled in quite well with the lads.

“Every game I play I want to improve and hopefully try and push for the first team. I’d like to make as many appearances as possible.”

“Nico has had a really interesting journey," said Academy Director Mat Hale. "He has had experience of academy football having been at Fulham and Crystal Palace until he was 14. Then moving into an independent academy setting and non-league football.

"He has had a varied and effective experience where he has had exposure to senior football at such a young age. This is highlighted in his maturity when he plays, and through his recent trial with us we have been impressed with his raw potential which we will now harness further through a full time training programme.

"Nico’s personality fits well with our culture within the Academy and we are excited about what the future might hold for him.”