Ronald Koeman has made Dusan Tadic his first signing as Southampton manager…
SEE ALSO: Best Football Manager wonderkids
Southampton have confirmed via their official website that Serbian playmaker Dusan Tadic has become Ronald Koeman’s first signing as the club’s new manager.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder, who has signed from Dutch club FC Twente for an undisclosed fee, finished top of the Eredivisie’s assists table with 14 last season, while he also netted an impressive 16 goals.
Following the signing Southampton tweeted:
STATEMENT: #SaintsFC completes the signing of Serbian midfielder Dušan Tadi? on a four-year contract – http://t.co/Nu1cfpqb3Q #SaintDušan
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 8, 2014
The Saints are looking to rebuild their team following the departures of Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana for Liverpool, and Luke Shaw for Manchester United.
Tadic has been capped 25 times for his country, and scored six goals. He has played in the Dutch league since 2010, having joined Twente from his new manager’s former club, FC Groningen.
Koeman is reportedly looking to continue Southampton’s philosophy of attractive, attacking football, and believes that the attacking midfielder – who has penned a four-year deal – is in keeping with the club’s ideals.
However, the club could be set to lose another key player in the near future, with defender Dejan Lovren anxious to leave the club, despite the Saints demanding a £25 m fee for the Croatian.
Southampton impressed many Premier League fans last season as they finished in eighth place. But having lost manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham, as well as several of their star names, Saints supporters could be forgiven for fearing the worst ahead of the new season. They will at least be encouraged by their first addition of the summer, as Koeman begins to make his mark at St Mary’s.