Salford City have signed defender Zach Awe from Championship club Southampton.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at fellow League Two side Accrington Stanley and has signed an 18-month deal at the Peninsula Stadium.
A graduate of the Arsenal academy, Awe was a regular at youth level for the Gunners and represented England at Under-15 and 16 level before opting to move to Southampton.
There he continued to develop as a ball-playing centre half, before gaining his first experience of regular senior football on loan at Accrington Stanley in 2024-25.
Zach made a total of 27 appearances in all competitions for Accrington but suffered an Achilles tendon injury and was forced to return to Southampton for his recovery.
The young defender is confident he can contribute as Salford eye promotion to League One this season.
He said: “I’m joining a squad that’s doing very well and are unbeaten in seven. So, I just want to be able to help the club and the team move forward in a positive manner.
“Everyone wants to play at the highest level possible and when you’re coming to a club where the ambition is to play at the highest level possible it makes it easier to join, it makes you more willing to join. It’s an amazing setup and I just can’t wait to be a part of it and help the Club.”
When asked to describe his playing style, Awe explained: “I’m a ball-playing centre half. As part of my development I’ve naturally been on the ball a lot, but I’m not afraid of winning a challenge, winning a header and I do love the defensive side of football.
“I’ve spoken to the Manager and he told me he’ll be brutally honest. He’s a straight-up manager which I love and respect because it means I will get everything positive out of him because he won’t cut around the edges or try a shortcut, he’ll tell me how it is and that is something that will help me improve massively, so it’s going to be a very exciting time.”
Salford City boss Karl Robinson expressed his delight at getting the club’s first signing of the January transfer window over the line.
Robinson said: “We’re excited to get our first deal done early by bringing in Zach. I’ve liked him since we played Accrington last year.
“He adds good power and pace to the back line, he’s confident on the ball, and he’s a good age as well.
“As the Club continues to grow it’s important that we sign players with a profile like Zach who have pedigree and quality, and still have lots of potential that will lead to success for both the club and the player.”
Salford City have submitted Awe’s registration documents for approval by the FA and the EFL.
Salford City began the New Year with an impressive 2-1 win at Barrow and sit fourth in League Two, outside of the automatic promotion places on goal difference.
They will hope to build on their strong start to 2026 against Swindon Town in the FA Cup third round on Saturday, 3pm kick-off at the Peninsula Stadium.
