Southampton set to complete double transfer raid on Manchester City in the coming hours
August 31, 2022
Manchester City and Southampton are expected to finalise the transfers of a further two players in the coming hours, according to new information.
Both clubs have been busy all summer, both in the way of incomings and outgoings.
However, one common trend throughout the window has been cross-communication between both parties concerning players from the Etihad Stadium.
Earlier on this summer, deals had been reached between Southampton and Manchester City for the permanent transfers of Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu.
In the case of the former, Manchester City had embedded a number of clauses to ensure that they remained in a strong position regarding the players future, should he excel on the south coast in the coming years.
It is understood that in the case of Lavia, Manchester City will receive 20% of his next sale – should he leave Southampton, while also having the opportunity to match any future bids, and also have a buy-back clause in the region of £40 million.
Communication between Southampton and City has continued throughout the summer, especially given the influence of former Etihad youth scout Joe Shields – who now holds a senior recruitment position at St. Mary’s.
With 24 hours until the close of the summer transfer window, a further two permanent deals now look set to be completed.
This is according to the information of Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Southampton have reached a full agreement with Manchester City to sign both Samuel Edozie and Juan Larios.
Southampton have now reached full agreement with Man City to sign Sam Edozie and Juan Larios, two more top talents. 🚨⚪️🔴 #SaintsFC
The agreement has been completed and both players will join Saints in the next hours. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/AYNZv92dzZ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Both players will join the Saints in the next hours, according to the report.
Most importantly for Manchester City, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Premier League champions will have buy back clauses in both deals, in the same concept as the Romeo Lavia deal earlier this summer.
Romano says that the permanent deals with buy back clauses included are to ‘control’ the players, from the perspective of Etihad officials.
Manchester City will have buy back clauses for both Sam Edozie and Juan Larios, as part of the deal with Southampton. 🔵🤝 #MCFC
It will be same concept of Romeo Lavia deal. Permanent with buy back clause included to ‘control’ the player. https://t.co/oombuHkwjl
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Additional reporting from Dan Sheldon of the Athletic further details the deal that could be agreed.
According to the report, any transfer for both Edozie and Larios is likely to include a number of ‘contingents’ such as buy-back, sell-on and matching rights clauses inserted into the deal.
Elsewhere, Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund defender, Manuel Akanji.
Pep Guardiola and club officials are looking to further reinforce their defensive options ahead of a crunch period in the season, as midweek and weekend matches take the club right through to the winter World Cup this year.