Southampton agree £14m deal for Moussa Djenepo

"We are very happy to welcome Moussa as the first new player to join our team ahead of the upcoming season," Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl said following the announcement.

"He is an exciting player, with tremendous pace and good finishing abilities, who we have watched closely for some time."

Djenepo will link up with his new team-mates for pre-season after representing Mali at this summer's Africa Cup of Nations.

Saints finished 16th last season after battling relegation for much of the campaign.

Hasenhuttl was appointed in December and believes Djenepo will feed straight into the approach he has instilled at St Mary's.

"We have been impressed with how he has adapted to football in Europe and the impact he has had in many games," he added.

"We had an interest in him as recently as January, so I am pleased we are able to bring him into the club.

"He combines his quality with a good mentality and he is the right profile of player that we want to sign – still in the early part of his career, already with a lot of talent, but also with a great amount of potential that I believe we can help him to fulfil.
 
"I think he will be an excellent fit for our style of play and shape, and these are the important characteristics we must look for."

Djenepo, meanwhile, said the move was a "dream come true" as he looks to improve as a footballer.

"It's a good club that is progressing, it has great facilities, and it's a place that can help me to really kick on and progress," he said.

"It is something I am very proud of. It's a dream come true. Southampton is a great club and I am very happy.

"I am looking forward to it and I want to get to know my new family. I can't wait to be around my new team-mates and work hard alongside them."

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