SAINTS have confirmed the re-signing of winger Ryan Fraser, following the mutual termination of his Newcastle United contract.

Fraser, 30, played a significant role in the team’s promotion from the Championship during a season-long loan last term, has moved back to St Mary’s as a free agent.

The Daily Echo understands Fraser was desperate to move and took a big financial hit to terminate his contract, before accepting much-reduced wages at Saints.

He played 44 times for the team during the 2023/24 campaign, including the play-off final victory against Leeds United, while also scoring eight goals.

Upon signing, Fraser said: "I'm probably the happiest man in Southampton at the minute. It's been a long summer from the play-off final to now.

"My number one goal was to get back here and now that it's happened, it's one of my proudest moments to be honest. Probably second after winning the play-offs.

"I think the journey that the players and the fans went through last season, we came together and it's amazing to be back."

Fraser, 30, has made 173 Premier League appearances across his spells with Bournemouth and Newcastle, as well as being capped 26 times for Scotland, adding significant experience and depth to Russell Martin’s squad.

Southampton boss Martin added: “Wee Man played such an important part in our squad last season, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

"All of us are delighted to have him back. Everyone could see the quality and creativity he has and he delivered in so many big moments for us.

"What many people outside of the building won’t have seen is the impact he also had off the pitch within the group, and it’s fantastic for us to be able to keep someone not only with great ability, but the same level of character too.

“His experience in the Premier League is an additional asset, and he’s delivered at that level consistently over the time he’s played there, so it’s another really positive signing for us.