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 Martín 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 Martín 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.

Photo: Action Images

SanMarco added 00:06 - Feb 17 I agree with that particular 'blunt truth' - I don't actually think it would be harsh on Stephens as he hasn't played well enough to guarantee a place. It would be a risk to play Caceres at Wembley but one that I hope will be taken - if he is deemed fit enough of course.
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landerwal added 00:26 - Feb 17 I agree with San Marco, harsh as the decision would be, that is the way of professional football and always has been. If Caceres is fit, he should play. Stephen's would not have even been considered if VVD was fit to play. What is best for the team always has to come first.
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carolinasaint added 02:18 - Feb 17 Whew...was getting nervous with how long that was taking, but very glad to see it's been finalized. Seems we're all in agreement here: the player who Claude deems most up for the job should be the one picked at Wembley, and hopefully that will be Caceres. If it is, I hope Jack will understand...and I hope CP's man-management skills are good enough to smooth things over. Funny, with our fixture congestion this year, this is the first time I've gotten truly impatient for the next match. Still 10 days away, alas.

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ChannonFodder added 07:23 - Feb 17 He's now got just over a week to prove himself in training. Given his pedigree, that shouldn't be too hard. I would feel sorry for either Yoshida or Stephens should they be dropped to make room, but would totally understand. The CBs will be going up against Ibrahimovic et al, this isn't a time for learning from mistakes but been-there-done-that-f*ck-off. And Martin, I'm sorry for the loss of your brother. Hopefully your first win as a Saint will be dedicating some silverware to his memory.

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highfield49 added 07:54 - Feb 17 Agreed with everyone on here, if he's deemed fit then he should play next weekend. Tough maybe on whoever makes way but winning is not about sentiment and fragile egos. That said I don't think either Jack or Yoshi come into that category, both of them have shown resilience in the last few weeks when results have been mixed.
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Jesus_02 added 08:17 - Feb 17 Agree that it would be a harsh decision and in the end Les will have to decide if he plays of not. However would it be a wise decision. Its certainly a difficult one. There is a big difference between fit and "match fit". Consistency at the back is surely the key and CBs take a notoriously long time to gel. Whoever marches out will have my unswerving backing but personally I wouldn't like to see the guy make his debut and a serious error on such a big stage. We will just a have to trust in the manager and the coach.

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ChannonFodder added 09:35 - Feb 17 @Jesus 02 - "Les will have to decide"? Seriously?
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Santos added 10:23 - Feb 17 So basically seems if we lose then the decision to play/not play him will be exploited. I still blame Vardy!!!
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Jesus_02 added 12:22 - Feb 17 That's pretty much it Santos. That's why the least risky option is not to play him. We are going to need him in the closing stages of the season and maybe he will provide a solution long term but he hasn't played for over a year. @ ChannonFodder... yeah , that might have been a bit tongue in cheek ;)
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saintfrance added 12:37 - Feb 17 Don't worry fellas, one or the other of them can come on in the second half when we have a comfortable lead, that way they all get to play, C O Y R.
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deanosfc8 added 13:31 - Feb 17 Ibrahimovic will terrorize Stephens without doubt! For me not even at full fitness Caceres has to play.
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SaintBrock added 14:07 - Feb 17 It's not just Ibrahimovic we need to worry about that young French lad Pogba can be a handful as well. This is no place for boys we need street wise bully boy who will kick seven bells out of the air of them! Martin Carceras must play. Even if they are only on the bench players still get medals so Jack Stephens will get his whatever happens and he's got lots more years to get some more. There can be no experiments at Wembley and no way will be able to waste a sub on a centre back if Stephens starts getting the run-a-round. If Carceras starts and plays brilliantly at Wembley we can all start worrying about whether we will be able to keep him next season!

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aceofthebase added 20:14 - Feb 17 Ibrahimovic versus Cedric similar to Carroll versus Cedric. It's a bit one sided and I'm sure Manure will exploit this.
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Jesus_02 added 15:12 - Feb 20 SaintBrock "no experiments" "Carceras must play" ?
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LftC added 15:45 - Feb 21 Let's smash it.
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