Yahoo Movies Chelsea FC include buy-back clause in Tino Livramento’s £5million transfer to Southampton
Tino Livramento has become the latest academy graduate to leave Chelsea after completing a move to Southampton.
The highly rated full-back has signed a five-year deal on the south coast with the Saints paying a fee of £5million, beating Brighton, RB Leipzig and Aston Villa to the 18-year-old.
As with many players who leave their academy ranks, Chelsea have included a buyback clause in the deal - thought to be at £25m.
Livramento, who was named the Blues' academy player of the year last season, is one of a number of Chelsea youngsters to leave this summer.
Southampton have already added Dynel Simeu to their ranks while Marc Guehi has joined Crystal Palace, Lewis Bate has moved to Leeds Untied and Myles Peart-Harris joined newly promoted Brentford.
Tariq Lamptey left the club ahead of last season and, before injury, showed what is possible away from Stamford Bridge by shining at Brighton.
Livramento would likely have been behind Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the pecking order, while Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also keen to add more depth in his position.
Following the confirmation of the deal, Livramento said it was a "no-brainer" to join Southampton.
“I've been discussing with my dad about what we thought was best for my future," he said.
"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.”
Bidding farewell to Chelsea on social media on Monday, Livramento said: "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."
New manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has privately talked up the prospect of his new signing and believes he will grow quickly at St. Mary's.
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