Southampton have maintained a phenomenal business model in recent years, outlined in their net spend which, prior to last season, stood at an astounding -£2.8m.

They have so often purchased younger talent for a cut price and later sold on for astronomical profit. Virgil van Dijk stands as the obvious example, having been bought for £13m and sold for £75m.

Another fine centre back which they had similar success was Jose Fonte, who they signed back in 2010 for just £1.2m.

An unassuming signing, he had impressed but not set the world alight for Crystal Palace.

However, he would go on to captain the Saints as he featured 288 times for them, a job he excelled at with former teammate Darren Randolph hailing him a "leader."

He became the base of a strong spine at St Mary’s, one which was upheld following their promotion in 2012. A defensive stalwart who was liable for a goal, he also scored 15 times whilst at the club too.

During arguably his best year, where Southampton enjoyed their highest-ever finish in the Premier League of sixth, he featured in all but one of their matches and boasted an average SofaScore rating of 7.08.

The £28k-per-week earner was integral in their 11 clean sheets, making 2.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and a whopping 6.1 clearances per game across the season.

The Portugal international formed a strong bond with the fans, and following his double-swoop at the Player of the Year awards in 2015, he had the following to say: “ It means the world, because we go through a lot… Since I came here, I felt like I have found my place."

He continued: “They have made me feel special and they have made me feel like I have found my home.”

It, therefore, stung when he was eventually sold, even if it was for a fee of an initial £8m. This marked an increase of 566% from when he was first signed, some more sensational business from the Saints.

The Saints recruitment team has masterminded plenty of transfer heroics in the modern era, but this deal with Fonte not only brought in a huge profit, but it created a cult hero on the south coast for his performances.