Transfer Centre

Southampton announce Juan Larios signing from Manchester City

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 01 September 2022

Southampton announce Juan Larios signing from Man City

Southampton complete the permanent signing of 18-year-old Spanish full-back Juan Larios from Manchester City on a five-year deal.

Southampton have completed the permanent signing of teenage full-back Juan Larios from Manchester City.

The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Saints in a deal believed to be worth £6m.

Larios becomes the fourth Man City prospect to swap the Etihad Stadium for St Mary's this summer, after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, midfielder Romeo Lavia and winger Sam Edozie, the latter of whom also joining on deadline day in a deal worth up to £10m.

"I'm so happy to be here in Southampton. I'm really looking forward to starting with the team," Larios told the club's official website.

"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."

Welcome, @juan_larios7 😇#SaintsFC is delighted to confirm the arrival of the 18-year-old full-back on a five-year deal from #ManCity:
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 1, 2022

Head coach Ralph 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."

Born in Seville, Larios began his development in Barcelona's famous La Masia academy before joining Man City's youth setup in the summer of 2020.

The teenager made a total of 37 youth-team appearances for the Citizens, and helped the club's Under-23s team win the Premier League 2 title last season.

Larios is primarily a left-back but can also operate at right-back or as a winger, and he will now link up with Hasenhuttl's first-team squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter against Brentford.