Southampton confirm signing of Lyanco on four-year deal

Southampton have confirmed the signing of Lyanco on a four-year deal from Torino.

The 24-year-old, who began his career at Botafogo before joining Sao Paulo, made 23 Serie A appearances last season, helping Il Toro maintain their top-flight status for another season. The campaign prior he featured 17 times in the league, with the Brazilian racking up 53 games for the club in total.

The Brazilian revealed his delight with the move, saying in a club issued press release: "I'm very happy to be here. It’s a dream that I have had since I started playing football as a child to play in the Premier League and for a team like a Southampton.

"It’s a dream not only for me but for all my family too."I grew up in Brazil and the football is different there, then when I went to Italy I learned that you have to be focused more on tactics. My dream was to play in the Premier League and play strong football, and for me English football is perfect."

Southampton were in need of an additional centre-back following the departure of Jannik Vestergaard to Leicester City recently. Lyanco was linked with Watford earlier in the summer with the Hornets nearly completing a deal. However, the Saints have now won the race for the player - who averaged over six interceptions per 90 minutes in Serie A last season.

Lycano becomes Ralph Hasenhuttl's eighth signing of a busy summer, with Adam Armstrong, Romain Perraud, Valentino Livramento, Dynel Simeu, Theo Walcott and Thierry Small all arriving previously. Armando Borja is also spending the season on loan at St Mary's.

Many have tipped Southampton to go down this season, particularly after star man Danny Ings joined Aston Villa. They picked up a promising 1-1 draw against Manchester United last time out, though.



Source : 90min