Back in the mid-2010s, it seemed as though every single player that Liverpool signed was arriving from Southampton. Fast-forward a few years and Southampton have turned the tables on the top clubs, and this time the 'prey' is Manchester City.
Southampton have already signed two City youngsters this summer in the shape of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and midfielder Romeo Lavia. Bazunu. 20, joined City from Irish club Shamrock Rovers in early 2019, and represented the under-18s and EDS before spending seasons on loan at Rochdale and then Portsmouth. While at Pompey he made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland.
Lavia, who is just 18, only joined City from Anderlecht two years ago, but quickly established himself as a key player for the development sides. Last season he made two appearances for Pep Guardiola's side, in the League Cup and FA Cup.
READ MORE: Southampton moves are good for Lavia and Bazunu but Man City must beware potential risk
Now it appears that Southampton are negotiating with City over a loan deal for 21-year-old defender Issa Kabore, who spent last season on loan at French side Troyes, and are also interested in signing highly-rated teenage striker Liam Delap. Ordinarily, making multiple signings from the same club would appear a bit odd, but an announcement made by Southampton on Friday made clear one of the factors behind their business.
The Saints announced that Joe Shields has been appointed as their new head of senior recruitment, and it's fair to say that he knows a thing or two about the gems playing in City's academy.
Shields joins the Saints after nine years at City, where he spent the past four years as head of academy recruitment and talent management. Before joining City in 2013 he held scouting and recruitment roles at Crystal Palace and Fulham, so he more than knows his stuff when it comes to identifying and signing up the best young talents around.
While at City Shields worked closely with the likes of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and James McAtee, and it's clear that he was a well-liked figure at the CFA.
A number of City youngsters including Joshua Wilson-Esbrand and Josh Adam left messages of support on his farewell post on Instagram, perhaps explaining why young players are eager to work with him.
Thanks to Shields' inside knowledge of City's academy, this could be the start of a fruitful partnership between his past and current employers.
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