Southampton have confirmed the departure of Nathan Tella to Bayer Leverkusen.
Tella has made the move to Germany for a reported fee of £20 million, and signs a five-year-deal.
Tella has been at St Mary’s since 2017, when he joined from Arsenal as a 17-year-old.
The 24-year-old spent last season out on loan at Burnley, where he scored 17 goals and five assists in 39 league games, as he helped the Clarets soar to the Championship title.
Southampton said on their club website: “Although disappointed to lose such a talented homegrown player and popular character, the club felt the offer represented fair value for the 24-year-old.
The move also gives him the opportunity to fulfil his desire to play abroad, and play in the Europa League this season.
We would like to thank Nathan for his contribution to the club, both in the Academy and first team, and for his professionalism throughout the summer transfer window, and wish him every success for the future.”
Tella had also been linked with a return to Burnley, as the Premier League side seem to be desperate for a winger.
What Nathan Tella’s departure means for Southampton
Southampton manager Russell Martin will see this as a big blow, with Tella starting the season in fine form for the Saints, getting a goal and an assist in their opening three Championship matches.
Southampton have options on the wing, but Tella’s departure does leave them a bid threadbare on the wings.
Their current options are Samuel Edozie, who has become a regular so far this season, Samuel Amo-Ameyaw, a 17-year-old who has broke through this year, and Ryan Fraser, who joined the club on loan from Newcastle United at the end of last week.
They do also have Kamaldeen Sulemana, however he has not featured in a single match day squad so far this term and looks destined to leave, with a reported move to Everton on the cards.
With Saints being light on options we may see Saints dip into the transfer market for a winger in the final week of the window.