This one has been expected for a few days, but now it has been confirmed, Yukinari Sugawara is now officially a Saints player after signing from Az Alkmaar on a four year deal.

After a five year stay in the Netherlands and almost 200 games in all competitions, Sugawara has left AZ Alkmaar and signed for Southampton.

Southampton FC have confirmed the news on their official website.

Sugawara is primarily a right back with the ability to get forward and both score goals and create them, but he can also play in a back three as a central defender.

The player himself had this to say:

“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!”

Russell Martin said:

“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 teammates.

“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.”

Sugawara's value is said to be between £12-15 million, however Saints are believed to have paid a lot less than this due to the fact that he was entering the last year of his contract.

Certainly the Japanese international has a lot of experience in one of Europe's top division's, but it is still a long way short of the calibre of the Premier League, hopefully Yuki as Russell Martin called him, can make the step up.

The big question now though, is where does Kyle Walker Peters future lie ?

Photo: Pro Shots/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

WoolstonSaint2 added 18:30 - Jul 14 No. The big question is- when are we going to sign two decent midfielders, a keeper, and a centre forward? Nevermind ‘6 signings so far’- one from Swansea, one from Peterborough, one from relegated Burnley, one a 36 year old winger, plus McCarthy and THB. To be competitive in the PL, we have to do much better, otherwise we’ll go straight back down.
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kevleykeegle added 18:46 - Jul 14 Woolston - I was wondering what joy, if any, you get from being a Saints’ fan. I Took a look at your past posts - they are scathing. You have called the team, useless, Shiite, garbage throughout the seasons… I know this is an opinion based forum and everyone has a right to sound off, and the fans have certainly been put through the mill over the years, but you seem to hate the team, even when they’re doing relatively well. So I’m genuine interested in what pleasure you get from supporting saints?

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Bowlercow added 22:26 - Jul 14 Ohio Yuki I hope you enjoy your time here Brining experienced players from Dutch football has worked well in the past Pele and Tadic for example
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ItchenNorth added 08:34 - Jul 15 A good signing by most accounts. We do though need to sign at least another 3 Premier League level starters. We cannot go into the new season without a new striker, Flynn Downs (or another) and centre back. We also likely need a number one goalkeeper. Our current squad will be toast otherwise in the Premier League.
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