SAINTS have finalised the signing of Manchester City youngster Juan Larios, adding full-back depth to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

The 18-year-old Spanish left-back has penned a five-year at Staplewood Campus, joining fellow City youngsters Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia.

Hasenhuttl had been open about his desire to add full-back cover to the squad, despite Romain Perraud’s return from injury and Moussa Djenepo’s resurgence.

Larios is a two-time Under-18 Premier League winner with City, but also has 16 matches of experience at under-21 and under-23 level.

“I’m so happy to be here in Southampton. I’m really looking forward to starting with the team,” he said, after signing his deal.

“I like the philosophy of the club, to develop young players and trust them. I was talking with the manager and the club, and they showed me how brave they are. They told me they believe in me, for now and for the future.”

Head of recruitment Joe Shields has been instrumental in identifying the top talent from City’s academy following his departure from Etihad Stadium to join Saints this summer.

Hasenhuttl added: “Juan is a talented young player who has shown he has the technical qualities and personality to improve our team.

“This is a positive step in continuing our way of signing young and hungry players with a desire to get better with us.

“We hope to be able to give Juan the opportunity to play Premier League football, and his adaptability in being able to play in different positions can definitely help us this season and in the future.”

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