SAINTS have confirmed the signing of impressive Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car on a four-year deal, ahead of the summer transfer window closing today. The experienced 25-year-old centre-back Caleta-Car has played over 100 times in France’s top division and has almost 50 matches of experience across UEFA’s European competitions, including the Champions League. Caleta-Car had previously been linked to the likes of Liverpool and was said to have a deadline day move fall at the final hurdle last year. The former Red Bull Salzburg star was also part of Croatia’s squad that reached the World Cup final in 2018, and was said to have travelled to England today.
Duje 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. 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.”
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.”
