Southampton Signs Serbian Midfielder Dušan Tadić For £10.9million

Southampton’s new manager, Ronald Koeman, has made his first signing at St. Mary’s with the signing of Serbian midfielder Dušan Tadić according to their official twitter using the hashtag #SaintDusan. Tadić has been signed to a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee but it is speculated to be around £10.9million. The attacking midfielder joins Southampton after a spectacular two-year stint with FC Twente where he made 66 league appearances and scored 28 goals.

Despite losing three key players, Koeman remains optimistic about this upcoming season, saying “It was very important to get this signing done – not only for me, but for the squad and our fans.” Tadić also spoke with the media and expressed his excitement for his future at St. Mary’s, “I have already seen the beautiful training centre and there are lots of nice people that work here including the coaches, so I am really happy to be here.”

Tadić joined his hometown youth club at AIK Bačka Topola and eventually signed his first contract with Vojvodina where he played for four years and eventually moved to Groningen. He’s considered a playmaker in the midfield and scored a goal against Austria Vienna at the age of 20 during his team’s campaign in the Europa League. Tadić was instrumental in Twente’s third place finish in the Eredivisie this past season.

After being named to Serbia’s national team in 2008 at the age of 19, Tadić found his regular place in the midfield during Euro 2012 qualifying. He also helped Serbia in their unsuccessful attempt at qualification for the 2014 World Cup and scored his first international goal for Serbia in a 6-1 victory against Wales during qualifiers.

Tadić’s presence in Southampton’s midfield should prove hugely beneficial especially with three players already leaving and a fourth a transfer possibility. Southampton finished 8th in the Premier League last season with 56 points.  Tadić could make an immediate impact for the Saints.