SAINTS have confirmed the permanent transfer of Romain Perraud to Real Betis after he was pictured at Seville airport.

As confirmed by the Daily Echo last week, the 26 year old Frenchman has joined Spanish La Liga side Real Betis in a deal worth around £3million.

Perraud landed in Spain at around lunchtime on Monday and sealed the move after undergoing a medical. The transfer will be effective as of July 1.

A Saints statement added: "The club would like to wish him well for the future, and thank him for his efforts during his time at Southampton."

Perraud spent last season on loan at former club OGC Nice but they did not activate a buy option after he started just three fixtures.

Saints manager Russell Martin hinted at Perraud being unsuitable for his philosophy when he exited on loan last summer.

He said: "I think Romain is an excellent player, but the way we play is probably not suited to him.

“People suit different ways of doing things. He really suited the way Southampton played before but not so much now – not that I’m saying he couldn’t do it." 

Perraud made 60 appearances for Saints, scoring five goals and registering three assists after a £10million move in 2021.

He will become the first permanent exit of the 2024/25 summer despite the club's promotion back to the Premier League.

Striker Paul Onuachu could be the next to seal a move away with several clubs in Turkey circling for the Nigerian's signature.