Academy duo send emotional messages to Man City after securing Southampton deadline day exits

Sam Edozie and Juan Larios have penned farewell messages to Manchester City after sealing permanent transfers to Southampton on deadline day.

Edozie, 19, signed for Saints in a transfer worth up to £10m having been at City since 2019, while full-back Larios moves for £6m to end a two year spell at the City Football Academy. Winger Edozie made one appearance for the Blues at senior level, and he thanked his coaches and teammates in a goodbye post on Instagram, saying the decision to leave City was a difficult one.

They join the likes of Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia in making the move from City to St Mary's this summer, with Southampton recruitment chief Joe Shields — who spent nine years at City, four of them as head of academy recruitment — playing a big role in their transfer strategy.

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"With a heavy heart my time has come to say farewell to Manchester City," said Edozie.

"For the last three years I have had the good fortune to be around and learn from the most amazing people. I am full of thanks and gratitude for the opportunities that have been afforded me by this special club. I will never forget this place or the people in it. Thank you for everything Man City."

Among the replies to Edozie on social media were former teammates James McAtee, Josh Wilson-Esbrand, Luke Mbete, Dire Mebude, CJ Egan-Riley, and Oscar Bobb all wishing him well.

Larios, 18, never made a first team debut for City but remains highly-rated and has a 20 per cent sell-on clause, a buy-back clause and City have the option to match any bid Southampton receive for Larios in future.

He wrote on Twitter: "Today, i finish my journey at Manchester