FORMER Saints teenage prospect Thierry Small has departed Charlton for Preston just weeks after helping the Addicks win promotion.

Preston are set to sign the 20 year old Everton academy graduate after agreeing to pay compensation to League One play-off winners Charlton.

Small, whose contract in South East London is due to expire at the end of the month, has agreed a four-year deal with the Deepdale club.

The defender-turned-winger will officially move on July 1, departing Charlton after arriving on a free transfer from Saints in January 2024.

He said: "After much thought and reflection, I’ve made the tough decision to move on. It’s not easy saying goodbye to a place that has meant so much.

"While this is the right step for me at this stage in my journey, Charlton will always have a special place in my heart.

“I’m over the moon. It’s an exciting time, a big part of my career now and I just can’t wait to get started."

Charlton boss Nathan Jones added: "We wish Thierry all the best. We tried to keep him at the club and offered him a contract, which he turned down.

"He felt Preston was a better fit for him, so we thank him for his contribution and wish him well."

Small, who was named Charlton's PFA Community Champion for his charity work in 2024/25, joined Saints in a high-profile deal in 2021.

Small became Everton's youngest ever player, making his debut in an FA Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday at just 16 years and 176 days old. 

The Toffees refused a Saints offer worth £1.5million, seeing the deal go a tribunal, where an even larger seven-figure compensation fee was set. 

Small made one appearance for Saints, playing 45 minutes in an FA Cup clash with Coventry City in January 2022 under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

He was released six-months early from his contract at St Mary's to pursue a deadline day move to Charlton, where he made 62 appearances.