DUSAN Tadic's exit to Ajax has been confirmed, with Saints getting around £15m for one of their brightest performers.  

The Serbian international spent four years at Saints, becoming one of the leading stars during the club's most successful Premier League era.

Tadic will complete his move on July 1.

The playmaker was at his most sensational when playing alongside Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane, helping Saints finish sixth in the top-flight in 2015/16.

After Pelle and Mane's exit, Tadic's struggles with consistency increased but his final contribution to the Saints cause was playing a huge role in their survival in the Premier League last term. 

The 29-year-old, who helped the club to three successive top eight finishes, was joint top-scorer with seven goals and also tallied four assists, making him the club's most productive player in 2017/18.

However, after four great years at St Mary's, Ajax made the playmaker their primary target this summer and Tadic felt ready to leave the South Coast. 

Considering he is turning 30 this year, Tadic was keen to return to the Netherlands, where he has previously had great success with FC Twente and Groningen, before it was too late.

It is understood Tadic, who amassed 23 goals in 162 appearances at Saints, had no interest in leaving for another English club.

Ajax and Saints have held discussions in recent weeks, with the St Mary's hierarchy understanding and accepting Tadic's request to leave. 

Saints will now reinvest the £15m from the Tadic deal in signing Basel attack Mohamed Elyounoussi.