Saints have confirmed the signing of Guido Carrillo from Monaco for wat is believed to be a club record fee.
A statement from St Mary's this evening read.
Southampton Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of striker Guido Carrillo, from AS Monaco.
The 26-year-old Argentinian today completed his switch from the Ligue 1 champions, signing a contract that runs until June 2021 at St Mary’s.
He links up once again with manager Mauricio Pellegrino, who he played under when the pair were at Estudiantes in their homeland.
It was there that Carrillo began his career, graduating from the youth ranks, before his goalscoring potential caught the eye of Monaco in 2015.
In his two-and-a-half years in Monte Carlo, the forward tasted Champions League football and helped his side break Paris Saint-Germain’s domestic dominance, as they claimed the league title last season for the first time since 2000.
Vice Chairman (Football) Les Reed said: "A huge amount of work has gone in to completing this transfer, and we are thrilled that we have now been able to push it through to completion.
"Guido represents a very exciting addition to our attacking options ahead of the final months of the season, possessing plenty of experience at the highest level, while also having the potential and the desire to improve even further.
"We are confident he will benefit us not only in the remainder of this campaign, but in the years to come.”
Commenting on his move, Guido Carrillo said: "I’m very happy. It’s a great feeling to be a part of this club.
"Lots of things attracted me. I know Southampton from watching the Premier League from when I was small, I’ve always regarded it as the most important league in the world.
"I obviously know the coaching staff, I’ve worked with them in Argentina and I also spoke with some players who were former teammates in Argentina, who are now playing in the Premier League and they told me all about the club and gave it a shining reference. Therefore, I had no doubts when I took the decision.”
Saints fans will obviously be delighted to see a new signing arrive at St Mary's for what although not confirmed officially be the club is likely to be the club's record signing and they hope that it wil not be the last of this transfer window.
Carrillo could play some part in the FA Cup against Watford on Saturday, but that could depend on whether he needs to return to France to tiw up any loose ends, but even if he does make the squad it is more likely that any appearance will be from the bench.
He is more likely though to make his debut against Brighton in midweek.
Carrillo will offer a different type of option than other forwards on Saints books at present and is more in the mould of Pelle with an ability to win the ball in the air and bring other into the game and create chances.