On February 1st 2024, January transfer window deadline day, it was reported by Alfie House (Daily Echo) that Saints were set to finalise the loan signing of 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder Ussumane Djaló from Porto. It is believed a buy option clause was included in the deal - reportedly around £8mil.
The young midfielder caught the eye of many European clubs after impressing in the UEFA Youth League with Porto U19, with the likes of Manchester United, Brighton and Everton interested in signing him. This season in the UEFA Youth League he managed to score once and provide two assist in five games. In the league - Liga Portugal 2 Sabseg - he made nine appearances for Porto B.
Saints Academy Director Andy Goldie on Ussumane joining: “We look forward to supporting Ussumane's development within the Under-21s programme over the remainder of the season, having been impressed with his progress at club and international level. He's an interesting prospect who strengthens our pathway in midfield and provides much-needed competition in our Under-21s group.”
Daily Echo reporter Alfie House explained this loan is a chance for the club to assess the player closely and make a long-term decision in the summer.
Recently, a source close to the player revealed to The SFC Blog that Ussumane is enjoying his time at the club, insisting he has found the club he needs to develop as a professional footballer.
“He [Ussumane] is really happy and content with everything at the club, people treat him very well. Obviously his goal is to remain at the club for many years, he has found a club that will help him grow as a person and as a player: that is the most important thing and I don’t have doubts that in the future he could be a football star at Southampton.”
Since joining in February, Djaló has made four appearances for Saints, making his debut against Arsenal U21 in the Premier League 2. Definitely a player to keep an eye on - had the chance to see him play for Saints and he looks very calm and composed on the ball, with a good range of passing as well.
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