Thursday 18 June 2015 16:41, UK
Southampton have completed the signing of Sporting Lisbon defender Cedric Soares on a four-year contract.
The 23-year-old Portugal international is the club’s second signing in three days, following the capture of Malaga and Spain striker Juanmi.
Soares came through Sporting's youth academy, making his debut as a 19-year-old in 2010, and has since gone on to make 67 appearances while helping his side win the Portuguese Cup last season.
He has represented Portugal at every level from U16 upwards, gaining 72 youth caps in total, along with three senior caps since making his international debut last year.
“Cedric represents a quality addition to our squad, and is another player with a desire and hunger to succeed,” said Executive Director of Football Les Reed.
“Like Juanmi, Cedric is a young player with international experience as well as exceptional talent and potential.
“We have been following Cedric’s progress for some time and felt now was the time to make our move.
“While there was competition from other Premier League clubs we were confident we would prove to be an attractive option for such an ambitious player.
“We have now signed two exciting talents early in the window and will continue in our pursuit of Premier League success and our European journey.”
The player himself is keen to make his mark in the English top-flight.
“I joined this club because I believe we can do better and better every year,” said Soares.
“Everyone knows that the Premier League is a very, very good league – maybe the best one in the world – so for me it’s a pleasure to be here, but even more of a pleasure to be in Southampton.
”Southampton is a big, big club in England and is very respected. It’s a club with a lot of history and, for me, it’s very important to play for a big club. I think this is a very good move.”
