Southend United forward Henry Sandat is set to join Championship side Hull City after he announced his departure from Roots Hall.
As first reported by Chris Phillips, the 18-year-old is set to make the move to the MKM Stadium with the Vanarama National League outfit set to receive compensation for the transfer.
Southend’s off-field financial issues are continuing and as they are under a transfer embargo, they haven’t been able to sign any new additions or offer their current players new deals. Also, despite months of negotiations, chairman Ron Martin is still yet to sell the club – adding to the Shrimpers faithful’s frustrations.
But, who is Henry Sandat and what can Tigers fans expect from him this season?
Having come through the ranks in South-East Essex, Sandat made his first-team debut, aged 17, against Gateshead in February. He made an immediate impression – scoring five minutes into his first appearances as the Blues secured a 1-0 win in their chase for the play-offs.
In the remaining months of the campaign, Sandat continued to feature in the run-in, emphasising Kevin Maher’s trust in a player who remains in his early teenage years.
The youngster went on to feature in 11 more games after his Gateshead debut and he led the line, alongside a striking partner, on a few occasions. There is no doubt that Sandat is playing beyond his years and he has shown why an array of Football League sides have been reportedly fighting for his signature.
He is a nuisance for defenders and his quick-feet in-and-around the penalty area can cause opposing defenders problems.
Last season, Sandat played a lot for the U18’s side before his breakthrough into the first-team in February. He scored a number of goals in the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League Two as he netted in games against Sutton United, Stevenage and Newport County to name but a few.
It may not be the highest calibre of football but it shows that Sandat has the eye for goal which could be crucial if he is to challenge for a first-team spot at Hull in the coming seasons.
He is still very young and despite having potential to be a success in East Yorkshire, Sandat will most likely join the club’s academy set-up and progress from there.
But, how do you think Sandat will get on with the Tigers? Hull fans, are you excited by this potential new addition?
Hull have a great record with taking young pros and none league players and giving them a platform to go onto great things. Andy Robertson, Kean Lewis Potter, Sam Clucas, Jarrod Bowen, Jacob Greaves and Harry Vaugn all come to mind in recent years.