English-German-Nigerian fullback returns to Southampton but ineligible to face Leeds in billion-naira game 

Through a statement on their official website, Harrogate Town have announced their retained and released list following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season.

German-born former England youth intentional of Nigerian descent, Derrick Abu has returned to his parent club Southampton following the end of his loan spell with the Sulphurites.

A product of the Chelsea Academy, Abu joined Harrogate Town on loan in the winter transfer market in search of first team football. 

The former England U17 international made his professional debut as Harrogate Town were held to a 1-1 draw by Stockport County on matchday 31 in the EFL League Two

Abu went on to feature in thirteen more games in the fourth tier of English football before his return to the St Mary's Stadium.

Southampton manager Russell Martin will not be able to count on the services of the tri-national fullback when his side face off with Leeds United in a billion- naira game at Wembley next weekend as the player's registration will not be transferred to the Saints until the opening of the summer transfer window. 

The Championship playoff final is widely acknowledged as the most lucrative match in professional football, with the winner potentially receiving over £100 million (approximately N186b in Nigerian currency) in television revenue and Premier League payments.

Apart from the fact that Abu is not eligible to face Leeds United, the 20-year-old has yet to break into the Southampton first team since landing at the South Coast club from Chelsea last summer. 

Southampton secured a spot in the Championship playoff final with a 3-1 victory over West Brom on Friday night.

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo started and was in action for 90 minutes before he was replaced, while Semi Ajayi remained an unused substitute for the Baggies.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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