Southampton, England — Southampton Women have confirmed the season-long loan signing of Ashanti Akpan, a promising 19-year-old midfielder from Chelsea.
The club announced Akpan’s arrival on Saturday, noting her progression through Chelsea’s ranks since joining the academy at age seven. Akpan has previously won the FA Youth Cup and the Women’s Super League Academy Cup during her youth career, before making her senior debut for Chelsea in March 2023.
Last season, Akpan gained valuable first-team experience on loan at Birmingham City in the Women’s Championship, making 15 appearances as the team finished second, narrowly missing promotion.
Speaking after the move, Akpan expressed excitement about playing for Southampton and believes another season in the second tier will help her further develop as a footballer. “I’m really looking forward to competing in front of the St Mary’s crowd and feeling the fans’ support through the season,” she said.
Born in Warsaw to a Polish mother and Nigerian father, Akpan moved to England with her family and is eligible to represent Poland, Nigeria, or England internationally. She has represented England at every youth level from under-15 to under-23 and featured in the 2024 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship where England reached the semi-finals.
Akpan’s loan to Southampton marks the next step in her promising career as she aims to contribute to the Saints’ midfield strength during the 2025/26 campaign.
By Taiwo Olatinwo | August 24 ,2025
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