Southampton
have signed Oriol Romeu on a three-year deal from Chelsea.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has arrived at St Mary's in a deal
thought to be worth around £5m.
Romeu joined Chelsea in 2011 from Barcelona's La Masia academy but struggled
to break into the Blues' first team and has spent the past two seasons out
on loan in Europe.
He made 11 Premier League starts in his first season at Stamford Bridge but
just four during the 2012-13 campaign, and he joined Valencia for 2013-14,
making 17 appearances.
Romeu spent last term on loan at Stuttgart where he played 27 times and was
an important part of the first team.
"It's very good to be a part of this club," said the former Spain Under-21
international after signing for Ronald Koeman's side.
"I was looking for a good club and for something new in my career. After
spending two years on loan, I needed something permanent and a club with a
future - and I think I chose the right one.
"Southampton are doing the right things in the last few years and, once they
came to me and asked me to come here, from the first day I was hoping to
come.
"Now I just want to keep going and to keep developing as a player, and I'm
looking forward to start playing as soon as possible."
Southampton's Executive Director of Football Les Reed hopes Romeu will enjoy
the same success as Ryan Bertrand, who also joined the Saints from Chelsea
earlier this year.
"Once again, we are demonstrating our commitment to compete seriously on all
fronts this season by continuing to build a squad with depth and quality.
"Oriol is a player we have had on the radar for some time - he was a
prominent figure in the Chelsea team of 2011/12, when he made 24 appearances
as a 20 year-old.
"Like Ryan Bertrand, we believe we have recruited another Chelsea player
with an excellent pedigree but also with lots of potential to develop.
"He is another player who matches the Southampton profile - he is young and
hungry, has been developed at a top academy and has already played at the
highest level with plenty more to come.
"He will complement the qualities we already have among our squad and
provide another level of competition for selection."
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