Redmond takes flight from Canaries to join Southampton

London (AFP) – Highly-rated England Under-21 international winger Nathan Redmond became Southampton’s first signing of the close season on Saturday joining from relegated Norwich for a reported fee of £10 million ($13.6million, 12.3million euros).

The 22-year-old, who was part of the England Under-21 side that won the prestigious Toulon tournament in May, signed a five-year contract with Saints, who are managerless after Ronald Koeman decamped for Everton this month.

“I’m really pleased to have made the move to Southampton,” Redmond told the club website.

“It’s a fantastic football club with excellent facilities, and I really feel I can develop my game here.

“The club’s style of play has always been excellent. They like to play attacking football and it’s a style I feel I can really fit in well with.

“When Southampton said they were interested it felt like the right move for me, and I can’t wait to get started now,” added Redmond, who came through the youth system at Birmingham City.

Southampton, who can look forward to a Europa League campaign as Koeman guided them to a best ever Premier League position of sixth last season, said they were delighted to secure the services of a young player who already had experience in the top flight.  

“Despite being just 22, Nathan has gained plenty of experience in the Premier League with Norwich City, showing his quality at the top level on a consistent basis,” said their Executive Director of Football Les Reed. 

“He has also performed exceptionally well on the international stage, playing a key role in helping England Under-21s win the Toulon Tournament this summer.”

Redmond, who scored 13 times in 122 appearances for Norwich after he joined them in 2013 from Birmingham, will be greeted by several familair faces at the club as he played alongside Saints players James Ward-Prowse and Matt Targett at the Toulon tournament.