Southampton are very close to completing a transfer for Torino centre-back Lyanco with the Brazilian set to join in a €7 million deal.
According to reputed journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are close to signing Lyanco from Torino in the coming days, after reportedly reaching an agreement with the Serie A outfit for €7 million. The signing will certainly delight manager Ralph Hasenhuttl who was keen for the club to sign a defender for some time now.
Southampton’s deficiencies at the back were visible in their opening matchday loss to Everton at Goodison Park. The Saints did put up a battling performance, but the Toffees could easily dismantle their defence to score past them. Hasenhuttl has already overseen four signings so far in the window and remains keen on more.
And, his wishes are set to be fulfilled as Southampton have agreed a €7 million fee with Torino for centre-back Lyanco. The Brazilian will join as a direct replacement for Jannik Vestergaard, who recently joined Leicester City in a £15 million deal. The Foxes made the signing to cover for Wesley Fofana’s untimely injury.
Lyanco started his career with Brazilian side Sau Paulo and moved on to Italy, making a move to Torino in 2017. He was loaned out to Bologna on a six-month deal in January 2019, where he made 25 appearances in all competitions.
The defender has garnered a decent reputation, which is why Southampton are keen on signing him. Lyanco has been described as a player comfortable and competent on the ball and also boasts decent long-balls. These traits are similar to Vestergaard’s, and Hasenhuttl will be delighted they have come close to signing him, having reached a full agreement with Torino for his signing.
In a fresh update, Romano has confirmed that everything is in place for the deal to go through, claiming that the Brazilian has agreed personal terms with Southampton over a contract till the summer of 2025, with only the medical and the paperwork left to be done.
The Saints were looking at other options, such as veteran Gary Cahill, who recently joined AFC Bournemouth after his contract expired at Crystal Palace. Apart from Lyanco, Southampton are eyeing more signings in defensive areas, with a left-back deemed necessary following the departure of Ryan Bertrand to Leicester, even though Romain Perraud has been brought in.
Everton youngster Thierry Small is a target, and the club have approached him over a move. These new signings will probably define Southampton’s season after losing some key stars in the window, although they did manage to extend the contract of star midfielder James Ward-Prowse by a further four years.
