In a bid to strengthen up their team for the upcoming season, Southampton succeeded in winning the race to sign Chelsea starlet Tino Livramento for a reported fee of £5 million.
The youngster was previously expected to sign for Brighton this summer, but Southampton ended up being the next destination for the 18-year-old right-back, with a five-year deal in place, which was cited by best South African online casino.
Livramento, who could be deployed as either a full-back or a wing-back, was in the last year of his contract with Chelsea and he became the latest academy player to part ways with the English giants.
The 18-year-old right-back was able to spark interests from Brighton, Aston Villa, Milan and RB Leipzig. Noting that he needs to continue his development, the youngster decided not to agree to terms on a new deal with Chelsea. In his deal with Southampton, the Blues included a £25 million buy-back option.
The Saints’ manager, Ralph Hasenhuttl, took to the media to say: “He’s one of the best young players in his position in the country and there were a lot of clubs who were interested in signing him, but finally he chose to join us. I think he has made a very good choice.”
The young defender has a fierce competition lying in wait for the player in Chelsea’s first team. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James were both deployed in the right wing-back position last campaign, while Cesar Azplicueta remains a pivotal player in the team.
Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel have also considered signing a new right-sided player. The Blues failed in the race to sign Achraf Hakimi who left Inter Milan to join French giants Paris Saint-German. They were also linked with a move for Adama Traore from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Chelsea had a difficult time keeping hold of their young players this summer transfer window, as most of them believed they will have a better chance at regular first-team football away from Stamford Bridge.
The Blues were unable to keep Marc Guehi who signed for Crystal Palace, Myles Peart-Harrit left for Brentford, Lewis Bate to Leeds United, while Southampton signed Dynel Simeu on a free transfer.
After parting ways with Chelsea this summer, Livramento took to his Instagram page to bid the club farewell. He wrote via online casino games real money: “After 10 amazing years of playing for the only club that I’ve supported since a child, I’m taking the next big step in my career. It’s been a difficult decision, but I feel it’s the right one to make at this stage of my development.”
“I can’t thank the coaching staff and the support staff enough for getting me to where I am now. I feel blessed to have had the support and experience. I have played with some of the best young players in the country and I wish them all the best with their futures too.
“This club will always be in my heart, thank you for everything💙”