Saints complete signing of youngster Issa Tounkara

The 17-year-old talent signs from Académie des Etoiles du Mandé in his home country, and was welcomed to Staplewood on a recent visit before agreeing terms to officially join the club in the summer after his 18th birthday.

A defensive midfielder by trade, Tounkara impressed on international duty at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco; he played a key role in the tournament, captaining Mali as they reached the final for the fourth time in their history.

Group Technical Director Johannes Sport welcomes Issa Tounkara to Staplewood. (Photos: Matt Watson)

Group Technical Director, Johannes Spors, said: "We're delighted to welcome Issa to Southampton, he's an exciting talent and there was interest from several top European academies, so we're very pleased he has chosen us.

"He'll now have the time and environment to continue his development within our Academy set-up when he arrives at Staplewood in the summer."