Can history be repeated ? That is the question that Saints supporters will be asking when the imminent arrival of a young right back from Chelsea is announced, will he be another Tino Livramento ?
According to allnigeriasoccer.com Southampton are about to announce the signing of German born but Nigerian citizenship 19 year old defender Derrick Abu.
They describe this as a coup as Saints have held off both Brighton & Crystal Palace for his signature.
He will arrive on a free transfer after refusing a new deal at Stamford Bridge and preferring to look for a new club, where he will stand a chance of getting into the first team, he has probably chosen Saints after seeing the success Tino Livramento has enjoyed after leaving Chelsea for similar reasons.
Abu they say has already completed his medical and is expected to be announced on Monday 3rd July as having signed a two year deal.
Whilst I don't think that he is quite in the same class as Tino, I am reserving judgement until I see him play, however given that he will be starting his career at Saints in the Championship and not the Premier League, he has slightly less pressure on him to be up and running from word go.
He is primarily a left back, but he is also able to play in the centre of defence and as a left back and his versatility will come in handy, if he is up to the grade.
I don't think Saints will dress this up as a major signing, the two year contract perhaps suggest that he is not quite the level of Livramento, it is certainly a cheap option that will boost the squad.