By Betsefy
Southampton have announced the signing of centre-back Duje Caleta-Car from Marseille, pending a work permit and international clearance.
The 25-year-old has penned a four-year contract at St Mary’s until the summer of 2026 in a deal believed to be worth €10m (£8.6m).
Caleta-Car had previously been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham United, but Southampton have won the race for his signature.
The Croatia international becomes Southampton’s fourth signing on deadline day after Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sam Edozie and Juan Larios and he is the club’s 10th signing in total of the summer window.
Speaking to the club’s official website on his arrival on the South Coast, Caleta-Car said: “It was really a crazy day. I’m very excited because I spoke with the coach, I think he is a good coach and of course the team – I watched them against Chelsea and in the games before.
#SaintsFC is delighted to confirm the arrival of Croatia international defender Duje Ćaleta-Car on a four-year contract from @OM_Officiel 😇
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 1, 2022
“I know the way they play, they have a lot of young players, so I think I can come good in the group and be with them every day, to progress with them together.”
Head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl added: “Duje is already a very established and experienced player, who has done an impressive job at his previous clubs.
“He is a big presence on the pitch and he will bring even more quality into our centre-back group. It is important we have good depth and options in this position, and he gives us another very strong one.”
Born in Sibenik, Caleta-Car joined Marseille from Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2018 and went on to make 132 appearances for the French side across all competitions.
🔘 JWP
🔘 KWP
🔘 ABK
🔘 AMN
Welcome to Double-Barrelled FC, DCC! 😅 pic.twitter.com/OCUsdCFFEF
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) September 1, 2022
The 6ft 4in defender was an influential first-team player for Marseille last season, helping the club finish second in Ligue 1 and reach the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.
Caleta-Car will now test himself in the Premier League with Southampton and will compete with Mohammed Salisu, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Lyanco for a place a centre-back in Hasenhuttl’s starting lineup.
The Croatian could make his debut for the Saints when they welcome Brentford to St Mary’s for their Premier League encounter on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Southampton have allowed defenders Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens to join Aston Villa and Bournemouth respectively on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.
