New Southampton signing admits to ‘really crazy day’, with squad number now confirmed

Southampton have revealed what number Duje Caleta-Car will wear after he signed for the club from Marseille late in the transfer window.

Southampton allowed Jan Bednarek to join Aston Villa on a season-long loan earlier on deadline day. This meant they had to find a centre-back replacement, though club officials already had one lined up.

At 19:25 last night, Fabrizio Romano revealed Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were on the verge of capturing Caleta-Car.

And they managed to complete his move before the 23:00 deadline, with Caleta-Car moving to St Mary’s on a four-year contract.

The Saints kept the transfer fee undisclosed and reports are yet to reveal how much the move is worth.

What Southampton have confirmed is the number the Croatian will wear on the south coast. He will pick up the number six shirt, which was recently vacated by Oriol Romeu following his move to Girona.

Southampton also added Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Juan Larios and Sam Edozie to their ranks on deadline day. Maitland-Niles will wear the number three, Larios has snapped up 28 and Edozie has chosen 23.

Following confirmation of his move, Caleta-Car said deadline day had been ‘really crazy’. He added: “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.

“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.”

Hasenhuttl praises ‘impressive’ Duje Caleta-Car

Manager Hasenhuttl said: “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.”

Caleta-Car, who has won 23 caps for Croatia so far, will compete with Mohammed Salisu and Lyanco for a starting spot under Hasenhuttl.

He could make his debut when Southampton play Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.