Charlie Taylor has completed a move to newly-promoted Premier League side Southampton following the expiration of his contract at Burnley according to club media.
The defender would turn out 28 times for the Clarets in the top flight last season, registering one goal an an assist during that time. 25 of those appearances were starts, with former manager Vincent Kompany placing plenty of faith in the left-sided defender.
On the whole, it was an extremely disappointing season for Burnley as they limped to a 19th placed finish, winning just five games all season. There are now serious question marks surrounding the club, especially after Kompany chose to leave at the end of the season to join Bayern Munich.
Taylor leaves Turf Moor having spent the last seven years with the club, making 220 senior appearances in the process. Now 30, he’s an experienced signing for the Saints who will certainly bring some presence to the changing room.
However it wasn’t Burnley where Taylor broke on to the scene, that would be at new-Championship rivals Leeds United. Appearing 104 times for the Whites, the majority of those coming at left-back, the 30-year-old proved himself as quite the asset during his time at Elland Road. He’d however choose to join Burnley in the summer of 2017 and never really looked back.
Leeds will be targeting promotion back to the top flight next season having fallen at the final hurdle, a 1-0 loss to Southampton in the play-off final, and will looking to make it second time lucky.
Speaking to club media after joining the Saints, the defender said:
“It just feels the right fit, everyone I spoke to about the club have only got great words to say. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get started.”
“Ever since I’ve come down here, I’ve just had a good feel, good people. It’s a huge club, back in the Premier League, and just a good experience for me.”
“I fully believe that we can [survive] this year with the squad and the management that we’ve got here.
“I spoke on the phone briefly to begin with [Russell Martin] and straight away he really impressed me, just the way he talks about football is the way I like to see it as well.
“The people I spoke to who know him as well only had good things to say, and I think him being the manager was a massive pulling point as well. There’s no reason at all why this club can’t stay up and progress even more.”
Writer’s View
With plenty of experience in England’s top flight, the signing of Taylor on a free transfer represents some great business by Southampton despite him now being in his latter years. Nonetheless he is still capable at the level and will be a bit of a loss for Burnley.
It’s been some time since he broke onto the scene at Elland Road and with over 350 senior appearances to his name in England, Taylor has had quite the career. Helping the Saints to safety next term will be another achievement if that does come to fruition and the left-back will be expected to be in and around the first team as well as helping the younger players progress.
Senior Editor
