Southampton have sealed the signing of forward Armando Broja as preparations for the new season continue to hot up.
The 19-year-old prospect signs on a season-long loan deal from European champions Chelsea.
The Albanian is Southampton’s second signing from Chelsea this summer, following the arrival of Tino Livramento on a permanent deal.
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“A very talented player”
Broja will be looking to make his season at Southampton a breakthrough season for him, in order to try and force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans.
Last season, Broja spent time on loan at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem, where he scored 10 league goals. Now he will be looking to prove himself in England and prove that he has what it takes to be a Premier League player.
Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl is clearly excited about the signing, saying:
“Armando is a very talented player who we were impressed by last season.
”He is young, but he comes now with a full season of experience in senior football with a good team, and he brings a lot of qualities that can help us.
“He is a strong, quick player with a good instinct and this makes him a good fit for the way we like to play.
“I know how highly regarded he is by Chelsea, and I think this will be a good place for him to continue his own development as well.”
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What might he bring to the Saints?
Broja is a very direct forward who likes to run at defenders. His main attribute is his strength and he likes to bully defenders.
He fits in well to a 4-4-2 formation, either as a left winger or up front as a part of the two. In this sense, he should fit in well for Southampton.
His hold up play would likely bring more joy for Che Adams, if they played up front together, and would certainly allow Che to be the go-to man for goals with the departure of Danny Ings.
Already an Albanian senior international, at just 19 years of age, Broja is likely to bring some excitement to fans this coming season.
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Are Saints looking to make anymore signings?
Broja isn’t seen as Danny Ings’ replacement, only as something extra to add to a growing squad. The search for Ings’ replacement goes on.
It has been reported that Southampton have agreed a deal of around £15 million for Blackburn Rovers’ star striker Adam Armstrong.
If this comes to be true, that is shrewd business by the Saints for a 24-year-old with plenty of goals to his name. It also continues Southampton’s building towards the future by replacing older players such as Ings and Ryan Bertrand with more youthful signings such as new left-back Romain Perraud, Tino Livramento, Broja and potentially Adam Armstrong.
There would still be worried about where the goals are likely to come from. Armstrong proved to be a clinical striker in the Championship but will he have the same impact in the Premier League?
For £15 million it’s certainly worth taking the gamble but that’s what it is, a gamble.
Broja is also unproven at Premier League level so a lot hinges on Che Adams to notch up some serious numbers this season.