FORMER Saints defender Dynel Simeu has signed for Albanian top division side FK Teuta following his release this summer. 

Simeu, 22, departed St Mary's this summer at the end of his contract after battling a ruptured Achilles injury which put an early stop to his campaign.

The former England youth international grew up in Southampton but began his career at Chelsea, before moving to Saints in 2021. 

Simeu enjoyed loan spells at Carlisle United, Tranmere Rovers and Morecambe as he racked up over 50 appearances across League One and League Two. 

Simeu was a fan-favourite at his loan clubs and was a popular player off the pitch at Saints and out on his first senior loans.

He will now play his football for two-time league winners KF Teuta in the Albanian top flight, Kategoria Superiore, in the port city of Durres. 

KF Teuta are currently ninth in the Albanian top tier after three games having won one and lost two of their opening games. 

Writing on social media, a statement Teuta said: "Teuta Football Club announces that it has reached an agreement with English defender Dynel Simeu. 

"Our club has today reached an agreement with the 22 year old player, who comes to Teuta after a positive experience with the Chelsea under-18 team.

"Last season he played with Southampton under-21s. Simeu has also been a contingent of the England under-18 national team."

Simeu showed the Daily Echo the inner workings of injury recovery for an exclusive article at the end of last season, as his contract neared its end.

He said: "My contract end is coming up and I know that I will be leaving at the end of the season.

"I couldn't turn down the opportunity to play for Southampton, loads of my friends are Southampton supporters and it has been an honour. 

"I believe everything happens for a reason and I have that tattooed on my skin. I believe I will come back stronger, wherever I belong."