The right-back is already earning rave reviews for his performances for the Saints, meaning many Blues fans are wondering why he was allowed to leave

Many at Chelsea felt a tinge of regret watching former academy star Tino Livramento pick up the man of the match award in Southampton's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday.

The 18-year-old did everything he used to do at the Blues' academy at Cobham against one of the best teams in England.

Of course, he was so highly rated within Chelsea that he won the Academy Player of the Year award for 2021, following in the footsteps of the likes of Mason Mount, Reece James and Billy Gilmour.

Article continues below


Editors' Picks
How can Real Madrid afford 'impossible' €160m Mbappe offer?
Fernando Gago: Ex-Real Madrid midfielder now in the frame for Boca Juniors coaching job
All Of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show - Goal launches new USWNT podcast ahead of the Olympic Games
How Man City's move for Kane crumbled
It feels remarkable that the Blues got just £5 million ($7m) for him but their hand was forced by him entering the last year of his contract.

Still, Chelsea have put both a sell-on clause and a buyback clause – which is understood to be closer to £40m ($55m) than the £25m ($34m) originally reported – into his Saints contract.

It maintains a modicum of a connection with a homegrown talent who supported Chelsea while growing up in south London.

Livramento's exit was partially down to Chelsea. Given the way in which they have so successfully stockpiled top talent, the argument in favour of keeping Livramento at the club was hardly compelling.

With a huge number of loanees returning for pre-season, Tuchel had to deal with a lot of senior players and that blocked the pathway to the first team for many academy hopefuls.

E dey happen

Who will he bench?
Just like lamptey
Chelsea have buy back clause contract inside this player contract.
James is there just barely 20