Hasenhuttl signs ‘high energy’ target to fill Southampton position of need

Romain Perraud (pic via Southampton FC)

Romain Perraud has completed his transfer from Stade Brest to Southampton, where he has signed a four-year contract.

The full-back enjoyed a successful 2020-21 season, earning a place in the France Football Ligue 1 Team of the Year. He had also been linked with Leeds United, but it is Southampton who have won the race to bring him to the Premier League. Perraud will effectively replace Ryan Bertrand, who has been released at the end of his contract and is close to joining Leicester.

Boss Ralph Hasenhuttl told the club’s official site: “This is an important first signing for us. Clearly, left-back is an area in which we were looking to strengthen and we have tracked Romain for a long time because he fits our profile for this position very well.

“He is a high energy, robust guy with good aggression who will bring lots of energy to our play. He has good quality with his delivery from wide and is very competitive with his defending.

“Completing the transfer before the start of pre-season allows him to start training with us immediately, learning our way of playing and tactical behaviours. I think Romain will fit in well with us and we can help him develop his game further and maximise his potential.”

Perraud thinks Southampton the best choice

Romain Perraud, Stade Brest left-back

Perraud has earned eight caps for France’s under-21 side. At club level, he began his career with Nice, although he only featured four times for their first team.

Then, he moved to newly-promoted Brest in 2019 after a stint with Paris FC. For Brest, he made 61 appearances and scored three goals.

He is confident he has made the right choice upon his departure from the French club.

Perraud said: “I’m very happy to be a Saint and I can’t wait to start this adventure.

“I think it’s the best club for me. The manager explained to me the project of the club and for me that’s very important.

“He spoke with me about tactics, of the way to play, and there are similarities in his play to mine. The feeling was very good, so now I’m here and I’m very happy.”

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