Southampton have stolen previous transfer target Leeds United reunion, two-year deal agreed

Southampton were the latest team to confirm a return to the top flight, beating Daniel Farke’s side in the play-off final at Wembley a month ago.

Southampton are now signing Charlie Taylor following interest from Leeds

Last summer, Leeds were looking to recruit to their back four which included reported interest in signing left-back Charlie Taylor – a product of the Thorp Arch academy.

Then on to Burnley, Taylor was in the final year of his contract at Turf Moor and Leeds eyed a potential cut-price deal before finally putting their faith in Junior Firpo to stay fit.

Now, with Taylor 12 months into his career, he looks set to seal a permanent move from Bunrley just days before his contract officially expires.

He heads to the side that beat Leeds at Wembley, Russell Martin’s Southampton, as reported by Alfie House:

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Saints are close to completing the free signing of Burnley defender Charlie Taylor, 30.

As @MirrorAnderson reports, two-year deal for the left-back who made 28 appearances in the Prem last season.

#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) June 28, 2024

Taylor a smart free agent signing for Southampton

Leeds could have had someone like Taylor add to their depth in the same way Sam Byram did, but with a Premier League bid it’s impossible to compete.

Taylor is good enough to compete in the top flight and Southampton have a smart signing there to bolster their defence.

It’s a harsh dose of reality that we’re being treated to the business of promoted clubs this summer, something we were a game away from having fun with.