Southampton announce Mario Lemina capture

Southampton have confirmed the arrival of midfielder Mario Lemina on a five-year deal from Juventus.

The 23-year-old is thought to have moved for a transfer fee of £16m, which could rise as high as £20m with add-ons, making him the club's most expensive player in their history.

Lemina becomes just new Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino's second signing of the window, following on from the arrival of defender Jan Bednarek from Lech Poznan.

"I am really happy to have signed for Southampton," Lemina said of his move. "I think that it was the project that attracted me the most and the one my family was really behind. I am really happy to be here."

Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed added: "Mario is an outstanding talent who has already achieved a great deal in his career, winning a number of titles and gaining experience of playing on some of the biggest stages in world football.

"Investing in a player of Mario's quality and buying from a club like Juventus is a significant statement of intent from the club, and this is a purchase that has set another club-record fee.

"Mario still has his best years ahead of him, and we believe that he will not only be an excellent acquisition for us in the immediate future, but that he will also be able to realise even more of his potential here in the years to come.

"In a volatile market with some extraordinary and inexplicable transfers taking place, we are determined to go about our work in a diligent and correct way. This is a player who has won trophies and played in the Champions League final less than three months ago and he has signed for Saints amid a host of suitors.

"Mario will complement what is already an extremely strong group of midfield players in our squad, and we are excited about what he will bring to the group."

During his two seasons with Juve, Lemina won back-to-back Serie A titles as well as the Coppa Italia twice.