Southampton F.C | The Big Story

Founded in 1885, The Saints are currently playing in the upper echelons of the English Football League - the Premier League.

The side will be looking to progress onwards from their mid-table finish last season.

The club play their home games at St. Mary's Stadium and possess excellent training and youth facilities, with their fierce rivals being Portsmouth FC, who are currently languishing in League One.

The current Southampton squad includes defensive powerhouses Virgil van Dijk and Wesley Hoedt, England internationals Fraser Forster, Nathan Redmond, Ryan Bertrand and James Ward-Prowse, and the heavy strike force of Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long.

Some other players of note are Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oriol Romeu, Dusan Tadic and vice-captain Maya Yoshida.

The club are known for their impressive youth development, having produced world superstar Gareth Bale, as well as many current England internationals.

Southampton can today announce the signing of young starlet Callum O'Hare for a fee in the region of £3,800,000.

The youngster has burst on to the scene during pre-season with Aston Villa and caught the eye of boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

The 19-year-old will be earning around £10,000 a week for the remainder of his three-year contract.

Mauricio Pellegrino commented on the signing:

"Callum is certainly one for the future. I don't think he will be around the first team just yet, but he's definitely in contention for starting cup games."

Mauricio Pellegrino seems to be building for the future this season as The Saints announce the signing of England U-17 international Rhian Brewster for £1,500,000 from Liverpool.

With Liverpool recently signing Dominic Solanke and unearthing a gem in Ben Woodburn, Southampton swooped in and lured their new startlet away from Anfield.

Brewster, who has impressed so far at international level is said to be thrilled to be joining the new set up.

"It's an honour to join a club like Southampton. I know some of the players they've helped to mould after chatting to them around St George's Park. Theo Walcott couldn't recommend the club more highly."

The 17-year-old has signed a three year deal and will earn around £8,000 a week throughout.

It is also rumoured that Liverpool have placed a 40% clause in the transfer, meaning they will receive a large lump sum if the player decides to move on in the future.

Mauricio Pellegrino commented on the singing, re-affirming his hunt for hungry, young English talent.

"I think the Rhian is the perfect fit for the club. I hope he works hard and moulds into the dynamic we have here."

Southampton football club confirmed their third signing of the summer window, with a record breaking £17,750,000 acquisition of Burnley's Johann Berg Gudmundsson.

The Icelandic International put pen to paper on a three year deal, worth £38,500 a week.

The twenty-six-year-old has been capped by Iceland 52 times at senior level, and has played in England since 2014, when he moved to Charlton from AZ Alkmaar. He did have a brief stint in England before this when he was a squad member in both Chelsea and Fulham's sides in the mid 2000's, but he failed to make an appearance for either team.

"It's an incredible move for Johann and I'm a big fan of his style of play. I'm sure he'll fit right in to the squad." said manager Mauricio Pellegrino.

The winger is known for his crossing and his technical ability, as well as handling himself in a fairly professional manner.

When asked about the move, Gudmundsson expressed: "I'm really excited to join the team during pre-season and to work with the manager. I hope the fans are excited to see me play!"

Two very good signings in the two youngsters you've brought in. Gudmundsson is a strange signing for me and the figure is high too but hopefully you and him can prove me wrong over the course of the season. Good luck mate, very good start here.

Thanks Scott. The style of football we're playing requires a player like Gudmundsson, and I think he's quality!

Southampton F.C today completed their fourth summer signing in the form of Brazilian forward Luan.

The striker, who can also play in attacking midfield, joins for a fee of around £14,000,000.

The twenty-four-year-old has been capped internationally twice and made his intentional debut against Columbia this year. He also appeared at the 2016 Olympic games for Brazil.

The attacking star joins on a £65,000 a week contract for three years.

Luan, speaking through a Portuguese translator said: "It's an incredible feeling to be here in the Premier League. I am really excited to be here and playing for Southampton. I can only hope I will match my price tag and grow as a player here.
Brazilian footballers have had a resurgence in the Premier League in recent years,
such as my good friends Willian, Firmino and Coutinho. I hope I can emulate, or even surpass them."

Southampton fans came out in droves to meet their new signing, and listened to Mauricio Pellegrino at the players unveiling.

"Whilst he does not speak the language, we will send him on a course to learn quicker. We also have Cedric who can help him fit in to the squad."

Some very intriguing signings there mate, hopefully you can get your front man firin and Saints will be on the rise

Some good signings, the youngsters should look like bargains in time

Luan is a top player, hopefully he can show his worth for the Saints! Top class graphics may I add.