Saturday 1 July 2017 12:57, UK
Southampton have signed defender Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan on a five-year deal.
The Poland Under-21 international becomes new Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino's first signing since he took charge at the club.
Southampton's first-team squad will return for pre-season on Monday but Bednarek's involvement in the Under-21 European Championship earlier this month means he will link up with his new team-mates later in July.
The 21-year-old was a regular in the Lech side that finished third in the Polish top flight last term, with the centre-back having represented his country at every youth level from under-16s upwards.
"Jan is an extremely promising young player who possesses significant potential," said Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed.
"We are delighted to bring him to the club, and we believe this will be the ideal place for him to continue his development.
"This is a particularly exciting time for him to arrive here, as he also has the opportunity to learn from Mauricio Pellegrino's extensive experience of playing the centre-back position.
"Jan provides additional depth to the impressive amount we have in that area, with Virgil van Dijk, Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens having all performed so impressively there last season, and he provides us with another excellent central defensive option."
Bednarek said: "I am so happy that I could join a club like Southampton. This is the moment I have worked for that makes my dreams come true. It only gives me motivation to work hard, to show my skills and to help Southampton to get better and better.
"I think it's a good step for me, because I have heard Southampton is such a good club for young players, so I can improve here. I think it will be a good move for me."
