SAINTS announced the capture of hotly-tipped wing-back Tino Livramento from Chelsea's academy on a five-year-deal.

The 18-year-old was the Blues' academy Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of some of their Champions League winners from the 2020-21 season.

He comes to St Mary's with a big reputation for such a young player, but who is Tino Livramento?

We break down everything you need to know about Saints' new man.

Who is Tino Livramento?

An 18-year-old right-back/right-wing-back who loves to get forward and attack. Has played once or twice on the left but not a regular fixture.

Born in Croydon, London on November 12 2002 and signed for Chelsea at under-9s. 5 foot 7’ tall.

Became a regular in Blues’ youth team during the 2019-20 season, as well as now being involved with England under-20s and having captained the country's under-17s.

He has received praise for good pace, consistency in delivery of the final ball, versatility and above all, outstanding fitness levels.

What are his stats like?

In his last full season (20-21) with the Chelsea youth team he recorded an impressive 10 assists and three goals in 26 appearances – winning the Player of the Year award for the entire academy.

He also received four bookings and one red card in Premier League 2.

He, like recent newcomer Dynel Simeu, has never made a senior appearance but featured on the first team bench – for games against Arsenal and Manchester City this May.

Who else has won that award?

Livramento joins recent winners from 2015-2020;

Dominic Solanke (2015), Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount, Reece James, Connor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour (2020).

Mount and right-wing-back James were integral as Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League in May, Tomori plays for AC Milan while Gilmour and Gallagher have both secured Premier League loans for the upcoming season.

How have Saints got him?

His Chelsea contract was due to expire in summer 2022, with Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta and Callum Hudson-Odoi all operating in his wing-back position for the first team.

Saints have fended off reported interest from the likes of Red Bull Leipzig, Brighton and AC Milan. He was thought to be manager Ralph Hasenhuttl’s top target this season.

Hasenhuttl had previously said: “At no Premier League club do players get so easily a chance to play in the first team.” The B team and first-team pathway could genuinely be considered an illuminated route into senior football for these youngsters who haven’t found it elsewhere.

What have people said?

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has in the past praised Livramento, along with fellow youth player Tino Anjorin.

“I love the academy boys. We have Anjorin and Livramento regularly joining training. The academy has outstanding quality.

"Every club who has young guys constantly coming in making it, it creates a bond in the club and supporters.”

Chelsea fan and sports journalist Nischal Schwager-Patel told us: "We've lost a lot of talented youngsters and Tino Livramento is another one, he's been on the eyes and radar of everyone. The fact we're losing him is a big shame, but there is a supposed buy-back clause which makes it easier.

Daily Echo: Nischal Schwager-Patel reports on boyhood club Chelsea Nischal Schwager-Patel reports on boyhood club Chelsea

"He's definitely someone who can be in and around the first team but he's still very young. He's not going to displace Kyle Walker-Peters straight away, but it will be a case of getting him used to the football, a Carabao Cup game or a few Premier League matches.

"I'd say both of them (Dynel Simeu and Tino Livramento) are at a similar sort of stage, I wouldn't say one is massively ahead of the other. I think it's a good move for both of them and they'll do very well at Southampton, they're making these career moves not because they think they will be stars straight away but because they see the pathway."