SAINTS have announced midfielder Alex Jankewitz has left the club to join Swiss outfit BSC Young Boys.

The teenager, who had just a year left on his contract at St Mary’s, has headed back to his homeland for an undisclosed fee.

Switzerland under-21 international Jankewitz joined the club from Geneva-based club Servette in 2018. He then first agreed professional terms at St Mary's in July 2019.

Having progressed through the ranks at the south coast side, Jankewitz made his senior debut for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men back in January, coming off the bench for the final five minutes of a 2-0 FA Cup victory over Shrewsbury Town.

He was then a late substitute in a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Aston Villa at St Mary’s before disaster struck on his first top-flight start.

Featuring for an injury-hit Saints side at Manchester United back in February, Jankewitz was sent off after just two minutes by referee Mike Dean for a reckless challenge on Scott McTominay.

Hasenhuttl’s side went on to lose 9-0 at Old Trafford, the game was to be Jankewitz’s last for the club.

A statement on the club’s website following his departure read: “The club would like to thank Alex for his efforts during his time as a Southampton player and wish him well for the future.”