Former Southampton and Brentford trialist Adeteye Gbadehan is set to join League One outfit Port Vale on a free transfer, according to The Athletic.
The 19-year-old has been on trial with the Valiants in recent weeks and has opted to join Andy Crosby’s side in the hopes of securing regular first-team football despite interest from the Bees and the Saints.
Gbadehan came through the ranks at Future SC Monarchs, an academy in the United States, and won the Dallas Cup in 2021 which is a prestigious youth tournament across the Atlantic Ocean.
There was also interest from Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur as well as academies in the MLS, according to The Secret Scout. On his exclusive Patreon, Alan Nixon revealed that even Blackpool were looking to sign the American.
The Athletic reported at the beginning of September that Southampton were the favourites to sign Gbadehan and that the teenager even featured in a behind-closed-doors game for the South Coast club.
However, now, Port Vale are looking likely to secure the midfielder on a free. Gbadehan has a UK passport, meaning there will be no requirement to obtain a work permit for the player.
On Twitter/X, The Athletic journalist Tom Bogert said:
“American central midfielder Adeteye Gbadehan is nearing a deal with League One side Port Vale.
Gbadehan, 19, trialed with Southampton and Brentford previously, but prioritizing better likelihood of first team soccer with Port Vale.”
Port Vale had an incredible start to the 2023/24 campaign in League One. Despite losing 7-0 on the opening day at Oakwell against Barnsley, Crosby’s men surged up to second place as recently as mid-September.
Unfortunately, the Burslem-based club have had a drop in form recently and have fallen down to mid-table. The head coach is now looking to bolster his midfield options with the addition of Gbadehan.
Writer’s View
Considering the likes of Southampton and Brentford were keen to secure Gbadehan’s services, this is an excellent coup by Port Vale, especially since it will be a free transfer.
A new addition to the squad could be just what the doctor ordered for Port Vale to put an end to their slide down the table.
