SOUTHAMPTON have signed Brazilian defender Lyanco for £6.4million from Torino.
The 24-year-old joined the Saints on a four-year deal which was wrapped up today.
The centre-back who helped the Serie A side keep three clean sheets in 44 matches last season, was unveiled by Southampton on their website.
In the announcement, the club said: “Southampton Football Club has completed the signing of Brazilian defender Lyanco, it is delighted to announce.”
Lyanco, who also holds Serbian nationality, also expressed his joy over joining Ralph Hasenhüttl’s squad.
He said: “I’m very happy to be here. It’s a dream that I have had since I started playing football as a child to play in the Premier League and for a team like a Southampton.
“It’s a dream not only for me but for all my family too.
“I grew up in Brazil and the football is different there, then when I went to Italy I learned that you have to be focused more on tactics.
“My dream was to play in the Premier League and play strong football, and for me English football is perfect.”
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SunSport revealed yesterday that Lyanco was close to completing his deal with the Saints, and was undergoing his medical.
Lyanco is seen as a replacement for Jannik Vestergaard, who joined Leicester earlier this month for £15m.
The Danish defender, who spent three-year’s at St Mary’s left the club, signed a deal for the same time frame with the Foxes.
Upon his arrival at the King Power Stadium, he said: “I’m very happy and I’m really excited to get going.
“It’s a special Club that has done very well over many years and I think the project is very, very exciting, even from the outside looking in.
“To be a part of it is a big thing for me.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
