Shrewsbury Town saw move for Southampton and former Port Vale starlet collapse due to injury
Shrewsbury Town saw a move for young Southampton prospect Baylee Dipepa collapse after the forward sustained a serious injury.
Prior to Michael Appleton’s departure, Dipepa had been identified as a key target for Salop.
After making his Port Vale debut at just 16 years and 331 days old - becoming the seventh-youngest player in the club’s history - Dipepa signed his first professional contract in January 2024.
He went on to score his first senior goal for the Valiants in a defeat to Shrewsbury, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in Port Vale’s history.
After impressing during the remainder of the season, Dipepa signed a three-year contract extension with the club. However, his performances caught the eye of clubs higher up the pyramid and, in August 2024, he joined Southampton for an undisclosed fee.
Dipepa has also represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 levels.
The Southampton youngster was due to complete a move to Town to help their fight for survival in League Two. However, the 19-year-old sustained a serious injury and the deal collapsed.
This occurred prior to Appleton’s departure last Wednesday, following Salop’s sixth defeat in seven league matches at Cambridge United.
Gavin Cowan was appointed head coach the next day, with former Town favourite Dave Edwards and ex-Salop youth player Jamie Haynes named as his assistants.
Shrewsbury have welcomed six new arrivals during the January transfer window so far, including four loan signings, all from Premier League clubs.