Southampton’s world-class academy seems to have done it again. After introducing Tyler Dibling to the world in 2024, winger Jay Robinson is also setting things alight after being introduced to the first team.
But how can the Southampton Academy keep producing star products – is this sustainable?
The youth system on the south coast is seeing some interesting changes under Sport Republic, which is increasing productivity and profit…
The Academy’s Impact
The definition of ‘The Southampton Way’ is to have the identity and long-term philosophy that mixes player development and club culture.
Though it seems Southampton keep on churning out wonderkids, Tyler Dibling and Jay Robinson have been the only two noticeable assets produced in the last 5-10 years, as owner Dragan Solak admits…
“We’ve lost our way in recent years… but we’re on our way to becoming one of the most attractive and productive academies again.”
A New Way of Recruitment
Now with a new-look recruitment team, the Saints will also be looking to add to their academy through young signings. Hibernian right-back Rory Whittaker has been a reported target, which could be an interesting tactic in signing young players and looking to sell on for a profit.
An example of this model has already taken place this summer, with Daouda Traore joining Real Betis on a loan-to-buy for the season. The 19-year-old only joined Saints in August 2024, so there would be reasonable profit in the region of £1m here.
These marginal gains in a world of strict PSR rules could be huge in the long term.
The Latest Academy Product
Jay Robinson, 18, who joined first team training under former interim boss Simon Rusk in April, has emerged as an exceptional prospect.
In pre-season, he scored in an impressive cameo against Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion. Now, after playing all 90 minutes in Will Still’s first league game in charge of the Saints, it is clear how good he is and can be.
Robinson now looks a nailed-on starter after surviving the five substitutions and contributing brilliantly throughout. Despite his tall frame, Robinson’s low centre of gravity allows him to shimmie past defenders, which he showcased at times on his Championship debut.
A Long-Term Hope
Robinson, always viewed as a promising player by Southampton’s excellent academy, made his Southampton U21 debut at the age of just 15.
Three years later, Simon Rusk, who had worked with Robinson in the academy before becoming the first team’s interim, moved him up to the Premier League squad.
Then, on the 12th of April 2025, Robinson became the eleventh youngest player to play for Southampton in the Premier League. Days later, he signed a four-year contract, allowing his development at Southampton to continue.
An extremely technical dribbler, despite his taller frame, Robinson is excellent at weaving in and out of opposition defences. His work rate is also ideal, complementing his side’s high-tempo style. While he isn’t the fastest, his acceleration helps him burst away from defenders.
Southampton’s manager, Will Still, has spoken extremely highly of the youngster recently, deeming him unique among other Southampton options. “He’s good. He creates danger. I think he’s shown why he needs and wants to be in the team. He’s a constant threat; he creates where a lot of others don’t.”
One Star After Another
While it is too early to claim Jay Robinson is going to become the next household name of the Southampton academy, hopes are certainly high that he can follow in Tyler Dibling’s recently tread footsteps.
Some have deemed him the next Dibling, but he should be alluded to as the first Jay Robinson.
And if Saints sell Robinson on for an excellent fee in the future, it will certainly set a precedent – they are going to keep on developing youngsters no matter what – it is the ‘Southampton Way’.
