Bangor FC have completed the signing of 22-year-old defender Jeremi Rodriguez, a player who came through Southampton’s academy system, as manager Lee Feeney prepares his squad for the upcoming Boyle Sports Premiership campaign.
From Las Palmas to St Mary’s and beyond
Rodriguez developed initially with Spanish side Las Palmas before joining Southampton’s academy in 2020, where he featured for the club’s U18 and U21 teams. His career since leaving St Mary’s has included a move to Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC in 2023, where he made six appearances for their reserve team in MLS Next Pro.
Following his time in the United States, Rodriguez returned to Spain and represented Telde and UD San Fernando, the latter of which he represented in the Copa del Rey last season. He is also a capped player at youth level for Ecuador U20.
What the signing means for Bangor — and the scouting approach
Bangor’s recruitment this summer has included players from outside the Irish League as manager Lee Feeney looks to find value and add quality within a limited budget. Rodriguez arrives alongside teenage Scottish striker Lucas McRoberts as part of that strategy.
"It (Irish League market) really is (inflated) so we have tried to reach out to other countries to get value for money… You're always given names and then you have to do your homework to find out about them… Some players are coming away from home which can be difficult for them so you need to see what fits for them."
Feeney emphasised the practical work behind overseas recruitment — sifting through agent lists, checking personalities and using contacts in England and Scotland — and accepted only time will tell whether such signings prove to be good business for the club.
Local angle: why this matters to Southampton supporters
For supporters and alumni of Southampton’s academy, Rodriguez’s move is a reminder of the club’s reach in developing players who go on to careers across Europe and beyond. While he did not break into the Saints’ first team, his progression through the youth ranks to professional appearances abroad highlights the varied pathways academy graduates may follow.
- Age: 22
- Position: Defender
- Previous clubs of note: Las Palmas (youth), Southampton U18/U21, LAFC (MLS Next Pro), Telde, UD San Fernando
- International: Ecuador U20
| Year / Period | Club or Level |
|---|---|
| Youth | Las Palmas (youth) |
| 2020 | Joined Southampton academy; featured for U18 and U21 |
| 2023 | Transfer to LAFC; six MLS Next Pro appearances |
| 2024–2026 | Spells with Telde and UD San Fernando; Copa del Rey involvement |
| July 2026 | Signed for Bangor FC |
Rodriguez’s arrival will be watched with interest by those tracking the careers of former Southampton academy players. For Bangor, his varied experience — across Spain and the US, and at youth international level — represents the type of acquisition Feeney has been seeking as he balances ambition with financial constraints.
Further details about contract length or immediate availability have not been disclosed by Bangor.
