Share

Southampton sign striker Juanmi

London - Southampton have signed Spanish striker Juanmi on a four-year deal, the English Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old, capped once by Spain, joins the south-coast side from Primera Division club Malaga, for whom he scored eight league goals last season.

No transfer fee was disclosed by Southampton, but reports in Spain have suggested a figure of approximately $8 million.

"It's a pleasure to be here and I am looking forward to being a part of this club," Juanmi, who won the Under-19 European Championship with Spain in both 2011 and 2012, told Southampton's website.

"I am anxious and I want to start as soon as possible. This is a big club and it has shown a lot of trust in me."

He added: "The training ground is magnificent and likewise the stadium. It really, really is a big club.

"Since I was very young, it's always been a dream for me to play in the Premier League. The style of football played here is similar to the way I play, so it's a dream come true.

"Now I just want to start playing and to start scoring goals."

Southampton finished an impressive seventh in the Premier League last season in what was manager Ronald Koeman's first full campaign at St Mary's.

In the process they qualified for the Europa League and Saints director of football Les Reed said the club's involvement in the continental competition had been a key factor in the club's decision to sign Juanmi.

He said: "Juanmi is a young, exciting and attacking player who fits into the club's strategic plan perfectly.

"He has been tracked closely by our recruitment department for some time, and we were keen to act quickly when presented with the opportunity to bring this young player with international quality to Southampton.

"To have attracted a player of his potential at this early stage of the summer is testament to our determination to build upon the achievements of the 2014/15 season and to continue to implement our long-term plan for the future.

"We will fully embrace the challenge of the Europa League in the coming campaign, and want to develop further in Europe over the seasons to follow.

"Juanmi's arrival is an important step in this process."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE