Premier League side Southampton havesigned Netherlands defender Wesley Hoedt from Serie A side Lazio for £15 million on a five-year deal, according to reports.
The 23-year old moved to Lazio from AZ Alkmaar back in 2015. Southampton vice chair Les Reed claims the new addition is “one of the most promising young defenders” on the continent, hence offering him the deal.
Southampton hope to keep his Netherlands compatriot Virgil van Dijk despite handing in a transfer request to move to Liverpool. The club insists he is not for sale. Hoedt should partner him in centre back even though rumours say he would eventually replace him.
Hoedt had his full international debut earlier this year. He had earned four caps so far and is rated highly amongst his peers in Holland.
“Wesley has proven his talent through his performances for Lazio, as well as the Netherlands, and we believe he can develop even further here at Southampton, alongside his international teammate Van Dijk, as well as the Jack Stephens, Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Florin Gardos,” Reed added.
Polish Under-21 Bednarekjoined for £5 million this summer and he is expected to contribute in defence. Aside the defender, The Saints signed Mario Lemina from Juventus for £18.1 million. The record deal for the Gabon international is the second for CoachMaurico Pellegrino.
Watford, Leicester City and Stoke City also wanted Lemina, who was ignored when Juve played Spurs at Wembley. Lemina has played at Lorient before his move to the Serie A champs.
Hoedt is the third signing for Southampton which seek to raise their profile in the league after a slump last term. The player promises to help the club as much he can as he is happy to play in the Premier League.