SAINTS have made their final first professional contract offer to academy forward Alejandro Gomes Rodriguez.
The 16 year old is an early physical developer and impressed at under-18s level this season, registering a goal and nine assists in 10 league matches.
Gomes Rodriguez was rewarded with a step up to the under-21s, where he scored on his Premier League 2 debut.
He has made 15 appearances across the under-18 and under-21 age groups this season, netting twice and setting up nine.
Saints are not scrapping to keep the England, Portugal and Venezuela youth international but have made their final offer for his first pro deal.
They believe the offer accurately represents his level and potential and is in line with the academy wage structure.
Gomes Rodriguez can not officially sign a professional contract until he turns 17 next March, as is standard for any young player.
The academy wage structure has been crafted based on actual potential, to encourage ambition and to keep pay consistent in the dressing rooms.
For example, Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Jayden Meghoma, signed from Spurs at 16 years old, are on deals in line with their potential but not earning significantly more than their teammates.
A new academy director - in addition to recruitment chiefs and coaches - was hired last summer to help overhaul the setup.
As exhibited with the exit of Kami Doyle to Brighton earlier this season, which pocketed the club millions, Saints accept they may lose players this way.
Despite being pushed to other clubs, there is limited interest in Gomes Rodriguez in England - hence why the foreign route is also being explored.
However, transfers between English clubs before a player has reached 17 have become commonplace and are always a big risk. Saints have experienced such deals with Jimmy Jay Morgan, Tyler Dibling and Max Alleyne in recent years.
In the event of Gomes Rodriguez exiting the club, Saints would be entitled to training compensation and potential future solidarity contributions.
Saints signed the youngster from local Junior Premier League side Eastleigh Tornados in the summer of 2022.
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