Southampton are interested in signing Everton defender Thierry Small and could give the rumoured Arsenal target an immediate first-team role, according to Hampshire Live.
The Saints are considering targeting the 17-year-old full-back as Ralph Hasenhuttl looks to introduce further young talents to the ranks at St Mary’s. Southampton have added Dynel Simeu and Tino Livramento from Chelsea this summer, with the latter joining for £5m.
Both Livramento and Simeu were yet to establish senior careers at Stamford Bridge, but impressed in their U23s. Southampton intended for Simeu to continue his development in their B-team, yet has already trained with Hasenhuttl. While the Austrian immediately gave Livramento a first-team role and started the 18-year-old on the opening day at Everton.
Small would follow a similar part to Simeu if he joined Southampton, but could directly join Hasenhuttl’s first-team, as well. The Saints are light of left-backs after Ryan Bertrand left at the end of his contract in June, leaving summer signing Romain Perraud the only natural fit.
Southampton would likely owe Everton around £5m in compensation if Small moved to the south coast. The teenager is still on a scholarship contract at Goodison Park, despite the Toffees offering a professional deal ahead of him turning 17 on August 1, per The Athletic.
Additionally, The Athletic noted Arsenal and Manchester United were leading the race to sign Small in July. The defender refused to return when asked for pre-season training as he sought to force a move away, amid European interest, over fears for his first-team chances.
Arsenal target Small will admire Southampton trust as he considers Everton future
Carlo Ancelotti awarded Small his senior Everton debut in January but did not follow the five-minute cameo with further appearances. The Italian also omitted the England U17 ace from all following matchday squads. Rafa Benitez left him out against Southampton, too.
Everton’s highly-rated talent, then, will feel justified to question his chances of breaking through at Goodison Park. So, a move to Southampton – where Hasenhuttl is showing trust in younger players – or Arsenal may appeal to Small.
Small will certainly take note of Livramento going straight into the Southampton first-team against Everton as he considers his future. The 18-year-old only made two senior squads at Chelsea – both this May – but never featured.
Yet Hasenhuttl trusted what the right-back had learnt in Chelsea’s U23s to back Livramento at Goodison Park. Where Small is just a spectator, despite earning Everton staff’s praise.
“The pace, the power, how he gets forward – he’s a smashing lad,” U23s manager David Unsworth told the Liverpool Echo. “I love working with him, he’s a great boy. He’s very coachable, very approachable, honest and has all the attributes of what I like to see in young Everton players.”
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