We can confirm that striker, Baylee Dipepa, has completed a permanent move to Premier League side, Southampton, for an undisclosed fee.
The Blythe Bridge native called Vale Park his home since joining the Academy aged eight before going on to earn his professional debut in a 1-0 EFL Trophy win against Crewe Alexandra in September 2023 at the age of 16.
Dipepa, now aged 17, would then go on to make his league debut under then-Manager, Andy Crosby, as a substitute in The Valiants’ 1-0 away win against Exeter City to a chorus of cheers and songs from the travelling Vale faithful.
Darren Moore would entrust Baylee with a deserved first league start in February 2024 and he would quickly repay that faith with an assist in a 2-2 draw against Fleetwood Town.
Less than a month later, Baylee would score his first senior goal against Shrewsbury Town, becoming the second-youngest goalscorer in the club’s history before getting the call-up to England’s U17s UEFA U17 Championship Qualifiers.
Dipepa’s international debut would’ve been one that he dreamt of as he took to the pitch as a second half substitute and scored a brace in England’s 5-1 comprehensive win against Northern Ireland’s U17s.
In May 2024, Baylee was named as a member of England’s 2024 UEFA U17 European Championship squad and would score in his side’s 4-0 win against France.
Speaking of Baylee’s transfer to Southampton, Port Vale Manager, Darren Moore, said:
“Baylee has enjoyed and deserved his meteoric rise through our Academy into First Team football. His qualities as a person, as well as a footballer, are everything that you need to succeed. His hunger, his desire and his will to learn every single day will serve him well in his move to Southampton.
"Although everybody at the club is sad to see Baylee leave, the offer was fantastic for the club and Baylee and we will never stand in the way of a player or their successes, everybody connected to Port Vale will be keeping a keen eye on his career as he develops into the player we know he can be.
"I would like to thank Baylee for his time with the club and wish him and his family every success in his future career. He will always have a place to call home here at Vale Park.”
Everybody connected with Port Vale FC would like to sincerely thank Baylee for his time at Vale Park and wish him and his family every success in the future.
