Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce it has completed its fourth major signing of the summer, with the transfer of sought-after centre-back Jannik Vestergaard from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
The 25-year-old Denmark international has agreed a four-year deal at St Mary’s, and will link up with his new teammates at Staplewood during next week.
A towering centre-half, the 6ft 6in defender arrives having already gained significant experience in the Bundesliga, making just under 200 appearances in Germany’s top-flight, with Hoffenheim, Werder Bremen and Mönchengadbach, while he has also featured in both the Champions League and Europa League with the most recent of those sides.
Starting in the youth ranks at Brøndby, where fellow Dane and Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg also graduated from, Vestergaard’s senior career began with Hoffenheim, in 2010.
Four-and-a-half strong seasons there led to him joining Werder Bremen, before Mönchengladbach moved for him in 2016, making him a mainstay of their defence, as he helped them to a pair of impressive top-half finishes in the Bundesliga.
Vestergaard, who has 16 senior international caps to his name, further strengthens the Southampton squad, which has already this summer seen the addition of attacking midfielder Stuart Armstrong, forward Mohamed Elyounoussi and goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
Southampton manager Mark Hughes said: “We have had to fight off a lot of competition to bring Jannik here, and we are delighted he has chosen Southampton as the right place to take the next step in his career.
“Although we were aware of the level of interest in Jannik, he made it clear very quickly that the quality of the club and the ambitions we have here meant this was his number-one option.
“He represents another excellent addition to our squad this summer, and brings with him an extensive amount of experience for his age. That means he can not only help us in the present, but that he has the potential to develop his game even more with us, which is what we want as a club and is clearly exciting for both parties.
“One of our intentions this summer was to strengthen our aerial presence, and Jannik can help us do that not only defensively, but also in the opposition penalty area.
“His character and the leadership qualities he has shown in an intense division like the Bundesliga have been impressive, and, as a club, we have been following him for some time now, so we are naturally delighted to have been able to bring him to Southampton.”
JANNIK VESTERGAARD
AFTER SEEING THE PLACE, I HAVE ONLY SEEN NICE PEOPLE AND SMILES ON FACES. I FEEL VERY WELCOME.
ON HIS MOVE TO SOUTHAMPTON
Speaking about joining Southampton, Jannik Vestergaard said: “It feels great. The deal has been under way a couple of days and I’m very excited now it has finally happened.
“I knew of the interest before the World Cup and the club has followed me for quite some time and done a lot of scouting, which is also a good sign for me that they know my strengths and weaknesses.
“The degree to which the club wanted me was important in my decision. They had done a lot of research, seen a lot of live games and on video as well. I feel I’m at a really good place to develop.
“After seeing the place, I have only seen nice people and smiles on faces. I feel very welcome.”
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