Saints fans were relieved to hear that Saints have finally signed a central defender after starting to wonder whether the deal would fall through at the last minute.
Southampton Football Club have been delighted to announce the signing of MartÃn Cáceres on a deal until the end of the season.
The experienced defender makes the move to St Mary’s on a short-term deal, and will wear the number 12 shirt for the remainder of the campaign.
Cáceres, a Uruguayan international with 68 caps to his name, joins Saints after leaving Serie A giants Juventus at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.
The 29 year-old has also played for Spanish clubs Barcelona and Sevilla during his career, winning La Liga and the Champions League during his time at the Camp Nou.
With Juventus, the defender won Serie A on five occasions, as well as winning the Coppa Italia twice and finishing runners-up in the Champions League in 2015.
Speaking about his arrival at St Mary’s, Cáceres said:
"I am very happy to have signed for what is an important club in English football. I am looking forward to getting started with my new teammates.
"Of all of the options that I had, I think that the best option for me was to come to Southampton. I am extremely happy to have joined this club.”
Executive Director of Football Les Reed said:
"Recruiting players in January is an extremely difficult task, and this year was a particularly challenging market for centre-backs.
"We set out to recruit a high-calibre player in that position during the January window so I am delighted that, following extensive work and persistence, we have now been able to sign MartÃn Cáceres on a short-term contract.
"Martin is a great talent, who has played at the very top level and won many trophies and medals. He is a very experienced international player for Uruguay and has enjoyed notable success with both Juventus and Barcelona.
"In a tough situation for us, losing Virgil to injury, he will bring experience, talent and character. He has played in the biggest of games, and will provide depth to our squad.
"Two days of extensive medicals and tough fitness tests have further demonstrated his desire and positive personality. I know Martin can’t wait to start playing again. We welcome him to St Mary’s, and his family into our family.”
The big question for Saints fans though will be whether he will be fit enough to face Manchester United in the League Cup Final, whilst it would be harsh on Jack Stephens to drop him and play Caceres for what would be a rare occurrence in any League, a player making his club debut in a major cup final, the blunt truth is that Saints need to do what is best for the team and will give them the chance of winning a trophy and that may well be bringing in Cacers if his fitness levels are high enough.
If that isn't the case for the final, then certainly by the next Premier League game Caceres should have enough training under his belt to be able to feature and that has to be good for the squad.