Southampton have announced the signing of Lazio centre-back Wesley Hoedt for around £15.4 million.
The Dutch defender has signed a five-year deal and becomes Mauricio Pellegrino’s third major signing following the captures of Jan Bednarek and Mario Lemina.
Hoedt, who started his career at AZ Alkmaar, joins up with the Saints squad and will add extra competition with Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida performing admirably while the club’s stand-off with club captain Virgil Van Dijk is ongoing.
The 23-year-old made 61 appearances for Lazio and was an unused substitute for the Italian Super Cup final win against Juventus and the opening Serie A game of the season at the weekend.