The former Leeds United standout completes his move to the Premier League

Charlie Taylor has completed a move to newly promoted Premier League side Southampton following the expiry of his contract at Burnley, according to the club’s media.

The defender featured 28 times for the Clarets in the top flight last season, registering a goal and an assist in that time. 25 of those appearances were starts, with former manager Vincent Kompany putting a lot of faith in the left-back.

All in all, it was a hugely disappointing season for Burnley as they limped to 19th place, winning just five games all season. There are now serious question marks surrounding the club, especially after Kompany opted to leave at the end of the season to join Bayern Munich.

Taylor leaves Turf Moor after spending the last seven years with the club, making 220 senior appearances in the process. Now 30, he is an experienced signing for Saints who will certainly bring some presence to the dressing room.

However, it wasn’t Burnley where Taylor burst onto the scene, that would be at new Championship rivals Leeds United. Appearing 104 times for the Whites, most of those coming at left-back, the 30-year-old proved to be an asset during his time at Elland Road. However, he would choose to join Burnley in the summer of 2017 and has never looked back.

Leeds will be targeting promotion back up the table next season after falling at the last hurdle, a 1-0 defeat to Southampton in the play-off final, and will be looking to make it second time lucky.

Speaking to the club’s media after joining the Saints, the defender said:

“It feels right, everyone I’ve spoken to about the club has nothing but great things to say. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get started.”

“Since I came here, I felt good, people. It’s a huge club, back in the Premier League and just a good experience for me.”

“I fully believe we can (survive) this year with the team and leadership we have here.

“I spoke to (Russell Martin) briefly on the phone to start with and I was immediately impressed, just the way he talks about football is the way I like to watch it too.

“People I’ve spoken to who know him and they’ve only had good things to say and I think him being the manager was a massive draw. There’s no reason why this club can’t stay awake and progress even further.”

The writer’s vision

With plenty of experience in the English top flight, signing Taylor on a free transfer is a great deal for Southampton, despite the fact that he is now in his final years. However, he is still capable at this level and will be a bit of a loss for Burnley.

It’s been a while since he burst onto the scene at Elland Road and with over 350 senior appearances for England, Taylor has had quite the career. Helping Saints to safety next season will be another achievement if that comes to fruition and the left-back will be expected to be in and around the first team as well as helping younger players progress.

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