Southampton complete permanent transfer for young Man City goalkeeper

Southampton have signed young Manchester City goalkeeper, Josh McNamara on a permanent deal.

The 19-year-old will has joined the Championship side on a two-year deal and will link up with their Under-21s squad, initially. The goalkeeper was identified by Southampton's new Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, formerly of the City Academy.

After completing his move, McNamara said: "It feels great, I'm excited for a new opportunity. It's a lovely ground, lovely people and I'm looking forward to it.

"Southampton have a great history of being a strong club, academy up to the first team, and I think in terms of development it's a great environment to learn."

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He added: "I know some of the lads. They're doing really well so I'm excited to join the team and hopefully do well again this year."

McNamara spent five years with Man City having joined from Watford at a young age, earning a scholarship and then a first professional deal. He was part of City's title-winning Under-18s side in 2021/22 which narrowly pipped Southampton.

McNamara is the second City goalkeeper to move from the Etihad Stadium to the south coast in successive seasons. Gavin Bazunu made the switch last summer to become their number one.

City have made good profit on their young 'keepers. James Trafford, who spent the season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, is close to a permanent switch to Burnley in a deal that reportedly could be worth up to £19m.