Southampton have signed Japan right-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar for a reported fee of £6million.
Sugawara joined AZ from Nagoya Grampus in 2019 and made over 200 appearances for the Eredivisie club.
The 24-year-old is the latest recruit at St Mary’s as the Saints prepare for life back in the Premier League after victory over Leeds in the Championship play-off final.
Sugawara joins the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Nathan Wood, Ronnie Edwards and Adam Lallana as part of Russell Martin’s squad.
He told the club’s official website: “To come to Southampton and to play in the Premier League is one of my biggest dreams since I was young, so I am really excited to be here.
“Last summer I played against Southampton in the pre-season. I felt Southampton played very good football with the ball; they didn’t play long balls, only short passing, they played smart.
“I felt Southampton is a really good club. When Southampton gave me an offer, I said yes after one second.”
Yuki’s a RED ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ggH2XlIpCF
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 14, 2024
Martin added: “Yuki is a player we’ve watched for a long time and was our number one target in his position.
“He arrives at a good age with a lot of games already under his belt at a high level, including a wealth of European experience. He’s a talented footballer with a great mentality, and a character we think will be really popular with his team-mates.
“You can sense his enthusiasm and determination to do well – he’s really excited to play for Southampton, not just to play in the Premier League.”
