Saints make Chelsea full-back their third summer signing
Southampton have completed the signing of 18-year-old right-back Tino Livramento from Chelsea.
The England U20 international, who can also play as a right midfielder, was Chelsea’s academy player of the year last season.
He rejected the offer of a contract extension in July and was close to joining Graham Potter’s Brighton.
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But Southampton moved to the front of the queue for Livramento earlier on Monday and have now announced the deal.
He’s signed a five-year contract at St Mary’s and has cost the Saints £5million.
He becomes their third summer signing after Theo Walcott and Romain Perraud.
Chelsea have included a buy-back clause worth £25m, should he become a Premier League star.
Speaking about the transfer, Livramento told Southampton’s official website: “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.”
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl added: “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.”
Livramento isn’t the only young Chelsea talent to leave Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window.
Centre-back Marc Guehi was snapped up by Crystal Palace for £18m. Midfielder Lewis Bate, one of the highest rated prospects in England, opted to join Leeds in a deal worth £1.5m.