Southampton have announced the signing of Romain Perraud from Brest, and the French left-back could prove to be a key addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl's side ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

It was confirmed by BBC on Friday that the 23-year-old had joined on a four-year deal, and it seems likely that he will be a regular starter for Hasenhuttl next season as the Saints begin life without Ryan Bertrand.

The Austrian seems delighted with his second addition of the summer - following Theo Walcott making his switch from Everton a permanent one - as he was full of praise for Perraud, saying: “This is an important first signing for us. Clearly, left-back is an area in which we were looking to strengthen and we have tracked Romain for a long time because he fits our profile for this position very well.

“He is a high energy, robust guy with good aggression who will bring lots of energy to our play. He has good quality with his delivery from wide and is very competitive with his defending.

“Completing the transfer before the start of pre-season allows him to start training with us immediately, learning our way of playing and tactical behaviours. I think Romain will fit in well with us and we can help him develop his game further and maximise his potential.”

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The young defender was in excellent form for Brest last season as he made 36 appearances in Ligue 1, contributing three goals and seven assists and averaging a solid 6.84 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

James Ward-Prowse, who also supplied seven assists, was Southampton's top creator in the Premier League last season, so Saints fans will be hoping that Perraud can add some attacking threat to their team.

When you consider that Bertrand and Kyle Walker-Peters managed no goals and just three assists between them in the top flight last season, it seems clear that the Saints needed to strengthen at full-back, and hopefully the Frenchman will be able to add some more attacking impetus down the left-hand side.

A few more signings might be needed if Southampton are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle next season but Perraud certainly looks to be a promising addition at Staplewood, and Saints fans will surely be delighted to see him join up with the squad.

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