Russell Martin has finally secured the signing of one of his long-term Southampton targets as the permanent arrival of Ryan Fraser has now been announced.
Aaron Ramsdale was the first of what is expected to end up being three Deadline Day deals as he secured a £25 million move from Arsenal.
Maxwel Cornet is going through the last minute formalities of a loan move from West Ham, with Southampton hoping to get that done before the 11pm transfer deadline.
However, supporters can stop sweating on one deal, with Ryan Fraser having finally completed a permanent move to the Saints after spending last season on loan at St Mary’s.
- READ MORE: The real reason Russell Martin wants Southampton to sign ‘magic’ winger alongside Ryan Fraser
What Ryan Fraser said after signing two-year Southampton contract
Southampton left it late to get a deal for Fraser across the line, with the transfer announced shortly before 10pm on the official club website.
As part of the announcement the club revealed Fraser’s first words as a permanent Southampton player, as the 30-year-old said: “I was always intending to come back, I was going to go nowhere else. It was here or nowhere. I made that decision from day one when I first came through these doors.
“When you step through the door, just meeting everyone. It’s kind of like a family run club. So it’s just that smile knowing you’re going in and you know you’re going to be happy.
“I just think when you’ve got something like that, something so special, I think you do everything to try and keep a hold of it. So that’s why from day one like I said, to come back. I was going nowhere else.
“So yeah, everything is done right at this club from top to bottom, and everyone’s in the same boat going on the same journey, trying to be the best that we can be. And I think that’s so exciting to be involved in.”
Fraser terminated Newcastle United contract to secure Southampton transfer
Fraser revived his career under Russell Martin at Southampton last season after being frozen out by Eddie Howe at Newcastle.
The winger – affectionately dubbed Wee Man by all at the club – contributed to promotion last season with eight goals and three assists in 44 games in all competitions as he made an impact on and off the pitch.
Such was Fraser’s desperation to secure a Southampton return, he agreed to terminate his Newcastle contract a year early, with journalist Alfie House revealing that the Scotland international took a big financial hit to facilitate the move.
The deal was not completed in time for Fraser to feature against Brentford on Saturday, but in reality he would not have been ready anyway given he has had to train alone all through pre-season.
A frustrating summer for Fraser has now ended in the best way as he gets another shot at the Premier League at a club where he is appreciated.