#PLStories- Saints sign French full-back #RomainPerraud on four-year deal #SAINTSFC

SAINTS have completed the signing of French full-back Romain Perraud from Ligue 1 outfit Stade Brest. The 23-year-old has arrived at St Mary’s for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year contract on the south coast. The likes of Newcastle, West Ham and Leeds had all been reportedly tracking the highly-rated defender but boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has got his wish of adding a left-back to his ranks this summer. The Toulouse-born star told the club website: “I’m very happy to be a Saint and I can’t wait to start this adventure. “I think it’s the best club for me. The manager explained to me the project of the club and for me that’s very important. “He spoke with me about tactics, of the way to play, and there are similarities in his play to mine. The feeling was very good, so now I’m here and I’m very happy.” Perraud was a key figure for Brest last season, playing 36 times and starting on 35 occasions. An attack-minded full-back, he scored three goals and registered seven assists to help his former side finish 17th in the French top flight. Saints also dealt with Brest last year in securing the services of midfielder Ibrahima Diallo for £12million back in October. Perraud, who also spent a season on loan at Ligue 2 side Paris FC, came through the youth ranks at Nice and went on to play four times for the club at senior level. A France youth international, he joined Brest in 2019 before now sealing a move to play Premier League football at Saints. Defender Perraud comes in following the departure of Ryan Bertrand, whose contract at St Mary’s officially expired this week. The new recruit is set to join up with Saints’ squad as they begin their pre-season back at Staplewood on Monday.