The departure of young striker Luke Pearce marks the beginning of a new chapter as he seeks a fresh start elsewhere. A product of the Walsall Academy, Pearce is one of several players released by Southampton in preparation for the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League season. Joining Southampton’s Academy from Walsall in 2020, the 19-year-old signed his inaugural professional contract with the club in July 2021.
Before his stint on the south coast, Pearce’s journey included an appearance as an unused substitute against Chelsea Under-21s in the EFL Trophy while with Walsall, though the match ended in defeat for the Saddlers with Chelsea emerging victorious 3-2. After securing a two-year scholarship with Southampton in August 2020, Pearce featured regularly for both the under-18s and under-21 side. He also gained valuable experience through loan spells with clubs like Eastbourne Borough, Torquay United, Weston-super-Mare, and most recently, Dover Athletic.