Tottenham may have handed Southampton FC ideal David Brooks replacement: View | OneFootball

Highlights

‘Never fall in love with a loan player, never fall in love with a loan player, never fall in love with a loan player.’

That is the mantra Southampton fans will have been saying under their breath since January, with David Brooks proving to be a breath of fresh air since his arrival from south coast neighbours AFC Bournemouth.

The Welsh star has slotted in perfectly to Russell Martin’s system at St Mary’s and has helped his temporary side pick up valuable points to cement their place in the playoff positions as we head into the final throes of the season.

But with the 26-year-old likely to return to the Vitality Stadium in the summer, the Saints will have to adapt to life without the forward; although they may already have the perfect replacement within their ranks.

Tottenham Hotspur’s teenage sensation Sam Amo-Ameyaw catches the eye for Southampton

Sam Amo-Ameyaw joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2022 as a 16-year-old, with the teenager signing a scholarship deal with the St Mary’s side.

Even at such a tender age, the exciting wide man speedily rose through the ranks at his new club; with standout performances for both the under-18 and under-21 sides earning himself plenty of recognition from the Saints’ management team.

Eight goals across all age groups helped Saints claim the Premier League 2 Division 2 title in his first year with the club, before earning his professional debut against Liverpool in the final match of their previous top flight campaign.

That experience will have given the young star a taste of what is to come in what promises to be a glittering career, before starting the current season with a handful of appearances in the Championship.

With plenty of games under his belt at England youth levels, the winger also represented his country in the 2023 under-17 World Cup in Indonesia last year; getting on the scoresheet in a 10-0 victory over New Caledonia.

Despite having to make do with cameo appearances since the start of 2024, boss Martin will be biding his time before blooding the young talent any more than he has to, with the main aim to get valuable experience in the tank while at such a young age.

With another off-season under his belt, Amo-Ameyaw will be ready to shine for the Saints, whichever division that will be in, and has used this season as a chance to excel for the club’s youth sides once again.

With five goals in his eight appearances in Premier League 2 this season, the teenager is continuing to prove that he is a step above most players in his age range, while he has also laid on just as many goals for his teammates in the competition.

We’ve already seen glimpses of what he can do on the biggest stage, with a medley of mazy dribbles and the confidence to take on his man evident in displays against Gillingham, Norwich City and Plymouth Argyle earlier this season, as well as both FA Cup clashes with Watford.

What Southampton starlet Sam Amo-Ameyaw can learn from AFC Bournemouth loanee David Brooks

In Brooks, Amo-Ameyaw has the perfect mentor to teach him how to terrorise both Championship and Premier League defences, with the Welshman making that his area of expertise for the majority of his career.

After making his name at Sheffield United, the playmaker made the move to the Cherries as a 21-year-old, and didn’t look back as he took the top flight by storm in his first season on the south coast, with 12 goal involvements during his first campaign as a Premier League player.

With plenty of international caps under his belt, Brooks has been a regular performer for both club and country over the past few years, and is enjoying life back on the pitch after being diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma back in 2021.

After more than 18 months out of the game, the creative forward returned to first team action with Bournemouth last March, following treatment where he lost ‘every bit of muscle’ from his body.

The move to Southampton in the recent January transfer window has proved the 26-year-old has fully recovered and is back to his best, with five goal contributions in his ten appearances for the Saints.

With Amo-Ameyaw sure to be watching on in training as well as match days, the young star will have learned plenty from one of the country’s most inspirational football figures; whether that be on the pitch or just on a human level, that can only stand him in good stead for the future.