Saints complete Livramento deal

A highly sought-after talent, Livramento arrives at St Mary’s on a five-year contract, bolstering Ralph Hasenhüttl’s squad ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

The 18-year-old moves to Saints after being crowned the European champions’ Academy Player of the Year, starring for a Blues’ Under-23s side that finished second in Premier League 2, despite still being eligible to feature for the Under-18s.

Predominantly used on the right, Livramento is also capable of playing on the opposite side of defence.

He has already displayed an impressive attacking prowess, notching ten assists and three goals at Academy level last term, while earning himself recognition at England Under-20 level.

Such was his form that Livramento was also included on the Chelsea bench twice in the closing stages of the season, against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: “I am very pleased we have been able to secure Tino’s signing.

“He is 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, and this will be an excellent place for him to continue his development and hopefully reach his full potential.

“He is very much in line with the profile of player we want and I think he will adapt very well to our system and methods. To be around the first team of Chelsea at his age speaks about his ability.”

Tino Livramento said: “I've been discussing with my dad about what we thought was best for my future. We felt like this was the right time for it to happen and for me to move on.

“To have interest from a few top clubs, to choose Southampton was sort of a no-brainer. They are a solid Premier League club and the manager was quite a big factor as to why I wanted to come here and why I wanted to play for Southampton.”