Southampton Signs Mateus Fernandes from Sporting in £15m Deal

Southampton has signed midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Sporting on a five-year deal. The Portuguese talent, previously on loan at Estoril, is the latest addition to manager Russell Martin's squad. Southampton reportedly paid around 15 million pounds for the 20-year-old, who aims to make an impact in the Premier League.

Southampton have signed midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Portuguese champions Sporting on a five-year deal, the newly promoted Premier League club announced on Tuesday. Fernandes, a product of Sporting's academy, spent last season on loan at Estoril, making 28 appearances and helping the club reach their first cup final in 80 years.

British media reported that Southampton agreed to a fee of around 15 million pounds ($19.54 million) for the 20-year-old. Expressing his enthusiasm, Fernandes said, "I'm very happy to be here, it's a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League."

Manager Russell Martin added, "Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while. He brings great energy and always looks for the forward pass. With his ability to drive forward, we think he has key attributes to help us both now and in the future." Southampton are set to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday following their 1-0 loss to Newcastle United.

(With inputs from agencies.)