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Harris Afzal has finally joined a new club amid links to Rangers, Southampton, Celtic and Crystal Palace in recent weeks.
Rangers and Celtic were both keen on Afzal, as it became clear that he was set to leave Queen’s Park.
However, it seemed evident that the Scotsman wanted to move to England, and an official announcement has now been made.
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Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Southampton announce signing of Harris Afzal
English Championship outfit Southampton announced, via their official website on 16 April, that the 16-year-old had moved to St. Mary’s on a permanent basis.
Crystal Palace had reached an agreement with Afzal, but the Saints have successfully hijacked that deal.
He will join the south coast club at the end of the season when the transfer window opens.
While Afzal has been signed as a future first-team player, he is not ready to be a senior player just yet.
Even though he has made the matchday squad to take on Rangers in the Scottish Cup, he will initially join Southampton’s Under-18s side.
Afzal was impressed with the club’s coaching structure, and that is why he decided to join them over the other clubs.
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What are Rangers’ plans after missing out on Afzal’s transfer?
Rangers undoubtedly will be gutted to miss out on the services of a wonderkid of Afzal’s calibre.
However, it was clear from the outset that he did not want to stay in Scotland and fancied a move south of the border.
The Light Blues will be delighted that at least Celtic also did not get to snap him up, as it would be bitter to see their Old Firm rivals signing one of Scotland’s top young talents.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
The Gers cannot dwell on losing a transfer target and will most likely be working on multiple youth players, who will join in the coming weeks and months.
Danny Rohl will also not be too concerned with it, as it would take at least two or three years before Afzal would be in first-team contention.
The priority for the German will be signing players for the first team, but right now, it will be securing the Scottish Premiership title.