Coventry City, Swansea City, Norwich City, and Peterborough United are all interested in Chippenham Town’s, Joe Andrews.
18-year-old Andrews has taken well to life in the National League South after joining Chippenham Town in the summer.
His performances from midfield this season have caught the eyes of several Championship and League One clubs, who are all keeping a close eye on his development this season.
EFL Clubs Keen on Andrews
Peter O’Rourke shared that the Chippenham Town youngster has got the attention of clubs in the EFL after a successful first season in senior football.
Coventry City, Peterborough United, Swansea City, and Norwich City are all named as clubs who have been tracking the young Welsh midfielder this season.
Despite the clubs watching Andrews closely, none have yet made an offer to bring the midfielder up to the EFL from National League South.
Who is Andrews?
Andrews joined Chippenham on a free transfer last summer after being released by Premier League side, Southampton.
He had been with the Saints for 11 years but never got the chance to play for the first team before being let go.
Andrews has represented Wales at several youth levels. He has played 13 games for Wales U17 and two for Wales U19.
He plays predominately in centre midfield but has played both defensive and attacking midfield this season for Chippenham.
How Has Andrews Played This Season?
Despite Chippenham’s mixed bag of results this season, young Andrews has been a standout player – which is why EFL clubs are closely looking at him.
He’s featured 22 times in the National League South, picking up two assists over the course of this season.
According to Transfermarkt, Andrews has played 10 games in defensive midfield, nine in centre midfield, and one in attacking midfield.
What Next for Andrews? – Opinion
The next step in his career is a big one. After the disappointment of being released from Southampton, Andrews has a chance to return to the Football League, but he needs to make sure he picks the right location.
Coventry City offers Andrews the chance to be managed by legendary Chelsea midfielder, Frank Lampard. Andrews could learn a lot by playing under one of the Premier League and England’s greatest midfielders. His game time might not be fantastic, but Lampard will likely be a big pull factor.
League One side Peterborough United are another interesting prospect for Andrews. They’re known for developing youngsters and giving them playing time before letting them go on to bigger things – Ivan Toney is one name that springs to mind.
A move to the Posh could be a great next step for Andrews, likely allowing him exposure to first team action in a really competitive League One.
It appears Andrews won’t be short of options when it comes to the next step in his career. His development is one to keep an eye on over the next few years, to see if another talent was missed by a league club only to be given a chance by a non-league side.