Southampton sign England U19 centre back Dynel Simeu from Chelsea for £1.5m as youngster seeks a clearer path to first-team football
- Southampton confirm the signing of Chelsea teenager Dynel Simeu for £1.5m
- The Saints fought off strong competition to land the 19-year-old centre-back
- England Under 19s defender returns to the south coast city where he grew up
- Chelsea have also negotiated a sell-on clause in the agreement for Simeu
Southampton have confirmed the signing of teenage centre-back Dynel Simeu from Chelsea.
Southampton won the race to land Simeu amid strong competition in a switch which will see the 19-year-old return to the city he grew up.
England Under 19 defender Simeu will move to St Mary’s in a deal including appearance-related add-ons which could be worth up to £1.5m.
Southampton have confirmed the signing of teenage centre-back Dynel Simeu from Chelsea
Chelsea have also negotiated a sell-on clause in the agreement.
Simeu joined Chelsea as an Under 13 and went on to captain their youth sides as he progressed through the ranks.
He also sampled life in the first team, making the bench for Chelsea’s Champions League tie at Bayern Munich last year.
Simeu’s contract expired this summer and he has chosen to move on in search of a clearer route to first-team football.
He will initially become part of Southampton’s B Team with a view to eventually progressing into the first team.
Simeu said: ‘I feel glad, finally, that the move was made possible. I’m just excited to get started.
‘It’s nice to be back home, I’ve had a really friendly welcome. I feel comfortable that I’m home with my family, so I’m excited.
‘I hope to hit the ground running, get fit and comfortable with the boys and then hopefully push towards the first-team.’