Southampton have reportedly completed the capture of 24-year-old Torino defender Lyanco for a fee of £7.5 million.
According to football journalist Rudy Galetti, Southampton have reached an agreement with Torino over the transfer of Lyanco. The Saints have beaten Real Betis in pursuit of the 24-year-old, agreeing to a deal worth around £7.5 million, with the player expected to sign a four-year contract at St. Mary’s Stadium.
It is a done deal, as per Galetti and the move could soon be officiated. Subject to completion, the centre-back will become Southampton’s eighth major signing this summer, after the likes of Romain Perraud, Valentino Livramento, Thierry Small and Adam Armstrong, among others.
Lyanco is not a surprise option for the Saints at all, as they are well aware of the success he has had at Torino since joining the Serie A club in 2017. The Brazilian did have a relatively slow start to his career, but he has become a vital component in the team’s defensive unit, notably featuring in 23 Serie A matches last term.
A centre-back by trade, the 24-year-old has established himself as a reliable figure at the heart of the backline due to his tall 1.87m frame. It gives him a considerable advantage in aerial and physical duels, making him an ideal replacement for Jannik Vestergaard, who moved to Leicester City for a fee of €17 million.
Lyanco’s arrival could indeed be crucial for Southampton, not only in terms of replacing Vestergaard. The 24-year-old’s imposing frame in defence should be vital in marshalling the backline that does lack a real leader.
It is why the Saints were reportedly plotting a shock swoop for former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill earlier this month. In fact, it won’t be surprising to see Ralph Hasenhuttl re-entering the market for yet another centre-back even after the pending arrival of the Torino star.
Aside from Lyanco, Southampton have been linked with a move for Tosin Adarabioyo. The former Manchester City prodigy is still available on the market after being relegated from the Premier League with Fulham last season. Hasenhuttl, though, might prefer an older, more experienced defender who can offer leadership rather than youthful exuberance.
Southampton already have an abundance of defensive athleticism from their crop of centre-backs in Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu as well as the incoming Lyanco. So it will be interesting to see how the Saints go about their business in this final week of the summer transfer window.