Southampton’s New Signing Welington Santos Aims to Overcome Injury and Make Impact in Premier League

The 23 year old made 48 appearances across the 2024 campaign with Sao Paulo ahead of joining Saints on a free transfer in January. Welington missed the final eight games of the season with a hamstring injury and manager Ivan Juric admitted he does not know when he will be available. But the left-back, a now-experienced former Brazilian youth international, insists he is ready to make an immediate impact in the Premier League. "In Brazil, the season ends at the end of the year," Welington explained, speaking to Saints in his first interview since arriving at the club. Welington was formally named a Saints player last week (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) "I was able to prepare well to come here physically ready to compete in the Premier League straight away. I have been working hard to make sure I arrived in top shape. “I'm very happy to be here, representing this club. I'm really happy to be here playing in the Premier League. Being here I want to give my all. "I was really happy the offer came my way. I think this final stretch of the premier league will be really good for me and I am very happy to be here." Welington racked up 164 appearances for historic side Sao Paulo and helped them to win the Brazilian Cup and Brazilian Super Cup in his time there. Full name Welington Damascena Santos, the defender made his debut in Brazil's top flight when he was 19 years old and now makes his first steps to Europe. “I always try to give my best when I step onto the pitch, so the team can count on me for anything," he insisted. “I’ll do whatever I can to help, both on and off the pitch. The fans can trust that I’ll always give my all with determination and heart. I’ll fight for this club for as long as I’m here. “I’ll do everything I can to honour this shirt. In the short time I’ve been here, just being here with my teammates and wearing this shirt has been a unique experience for me." Although Welington has never represented Brazil at the senior level, the country's global superstars continue to inspire young footballers everywhere. "In my position, it is impossible not to mention Marcelo, there's Filip Luis, Roberto Carlos. There are many great left-backs in brazil," said Welington. "It has always been a powerhouse for producing left-backs. From players not in my position, there is Neymar, Ronaldinho and lots of other greats I followed."