Dom Ballard issues blunt transfer warning Southampton can't ignore | OneFootball

Dom Ballard has hinted that he wants first-team opportunities at Southampton come next season. The English forward is impressing for the Saints' U21s and scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 win against Fulham (May 5) to help send Calum McFarlane's men through to the Premier League 2 play-off semi-finals.

The 20-year-old is back on the South Coast after spending time out on loan in EFL League One. He headed to Blackpool FC at the start of the season but managed one goal in 22 games.

The Guildford-born frontman was then recalled in January and sent back on loan to Cambridge United, where he registered two goals and one assist in 17 games but could not help save the club from relegation to EFL League Two.

"That's what I need" - Ballard on his Southampton future

Ballard will have a year left on his contract this summer, and his performances for the U21 have led to talk over his long-term future. He wants to be a member of the Saints squad that tackles a return to the EFL Championship, but only if he's shown a clear path towards the first team (via The Daily Echo):

"In terms of being here next year, it's the place I want to be. I've been here since I was eight, the majority of my life's been spent here and I love it. It's an unbelievable club so for me, I want to stay here, but it's just the pathway - that is what I need to see. We've got a new gaffer coming in."

Ballard joined Southampton's academy at the age of eight and signed his first professional contract in 2022. He's made four senior appearances at St Mary's, and his first goal came coincidentally against Cambridge in the Carabao Cup in 2022, which former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl as a "good goal." The six-cap England U20 international alluded to his time out on loan by making clear his plans to play further up the footballing pyramid:

"Obviously, I don't know who it'll be yet so that'll be interesting to see, but I've played like 50 games now in League One across my loans. Hopefully, that'll come across as a little bit more like I'm ready for it. I'm 20 now, I want to be playing at the highest level of football I can. We'll just have to see. There's a lot in the unknown at the moment, but in terms of me wanting to stay? Of course I do, I love the club."

Dom Ballard could be handed opportunities next season

Southampton have yet to find a replacement for Ivan Juric, and whoever takes over will be tasked with guiding the Saints straight back up. One massive issue that has plagued the side this season is a lack of goals, with Paul Onuachu the top scorer with four goals.

While Ballard hasn't been prolific while out on loan, he's been sensational for the U21S, managing 32 goals in 36 games since debuting in February 2021. He's a clever attacker whose dribbling and pace blend with clinical finishing abilities.

The English youngster could get a chance to shine in the Championship and give competition to the likes of Onuachu and Ross Stewart. Strength in depth could be key in the 2025-26 campaign.