Southampton sign Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan for around £5m

Saints have completed their first summer signing after sealing a £5m deal for Jan Bednarek.

The 21-year-old centre half joins from Lech Poznan on a five-year contract.

Bednarek will not meet up with his teammates until the end of this month as he enjoys given a month’s holiday following his involvement with the Poland under-21s at this summer’s Euros.

He adds cover to that area of the team desperately needed after the sale of Jose Fonte in January.

Saints vice chairman of football, Les Reed, said: “Jan is an extremely promising young player who possesses significant potential.

“We are delighted to bring him to the club, and we believe this will be the ideal place for him to continue his development.

“This is a particularly exciting time for him to arrive here, as he also has the opportunity to learn from Mauricio Pellegrino’s extensive experience of playing the centre-back position.

“Jan provides additional depth to the impressive amount we have in that area, with Virgil van Dijk, Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens having all performed so impressively there last season, and he provides us with another excellent central defensive option.”

Bednarek added: “I am so happy that I could join a club like Southampton. This is the moment I have worked for that makes my dreams come true. It only gives me motivation to work hard, to show my skills and to help Southampton to get better and better.

“I think it's a good step for me, because I have heard Southampton is such a good club for young players, so I can improve here. I think it will be a good move for me.”