DEPARTING youngster Eddie Beach has wished the Saints teammates he leaves behind “good luck” as the Welsh under-19 international joined Chelsea yesterday.

18-year-old Beach will link up with the London side for an undisclosed fee, after spending over three years with Saints.

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Raised in the New Forest, Beach attended Priestlands school in Lymington.

The goalkeeper was a member of the under-18 side that finished top of the Southern section of the U18 Premier League, before losing to Manchester City in the final at St Mary’s.

Highly rated, Beach is represented by the same agency utilised by Armando Broja, Ryan Bertrand, Dynel Simeu, and fellow Saints youth ‘keeper, Oliver Wright.

Taking to Instagram to share his message, Beach shared: "Just want to say a massive thanks to [Southampton] for the past three and a half years.

“Particularly all the staff, teammates and coaches who have made it such a memorable experience.

“It’s been an amazing journey and I have learnt so much from everyone within the club.

“Now it’s time to look at the next chapter of my career.

“Good luck boys!"

With the acquisition of Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City, Saints currently have six goalkeepers aged 20 and under across the first team and academy set-up, indicating that opportunities perhaps maybe limited for shot-stoppers.

Alongside 20-year-old Bazunu, Jack Bycroft (20), Oliver Wright (19) and Matt Hall (19) currently train with Saints' B team, whilst teenagers Josh Jeffries (16) and Mohamed Adli (17) are still operating with the under-18s.

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