Why Southampton could make transfer move for Tino Livramento

Southampton are one of three Premier League clubs looking to secure a deal for Chelsea youngster Tino Livramento this summer.

According to a report from GOAL.com, Saints joined Aston Villa and Brighton in the race for the 18-year-old’s signature, whilst RB Leipzig and AC Milan are also interested. The former England youth international has just one year remaining on his Chelsea contract.

A winger capable of playing as a right-back, Livramento has earned himself a significant reputation in English academy football. He won the award for Chelsea’s youth player of the year at the end of the last campaign and contributed with three goals and 10 assists in all competitions of Chelsea’s Under-23s.

Saints may have some big competition to fight off in order to sign him from the current European champions but there could be a big opportunity for the player to push into first-team football at St Mary’s.

Southampton’s squad depth leaves some space for Livramento’s progression

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It has been well-documented that Saints are looking to add full-backs to their squad this summer. Kyle Walker-Peters will be the only recognised senior full-back by the end of this month with Ryan Bertrand leaving on a free transfer.

A deal for left-back Romain Perraud is said to be close, via multiple sources, but that would still leave just two players and – with the futures of Yan Valery and Jake Vokins uncertain – no competition behind them.

Links to flexible full-backs have been made and Ralph Hasenhuttl seems to prefer his players to be able to cover many positions if possible, meaning one more senior signing could be made to cover right and left-back.

This is where Livramento could come in though. He is unlikely to be a first-choice name with Saints but can slot in as more cover for full-back, with the chance of a handful of games in 2021/22 despite his tender age.

The fact that he is a winger by trade though will also please his potential new manager and give him a better opportunity to be part of Saints’ future for the long-term.