Southampton Signs Saphir Taider From Inter Milan And Sends Dani Osvaldo The Other Way

Southampton FC has announced the signing of Algerian midfielder Saphir Taider from the Serie A club Inter Milan.

The 22-year-old will join the St. Mary’s club on a season-long loan from the Italian side, with striker Dani Osvaldo moving in the opposite direction on the same basis.

According to Southampton’s website, the players are not part of the same deal and both transfers have independent options should the respective loaning clubs wish to make either move permanent next summer.

Saints coach Ronald Koeman believes that Taider will bring quality to Southampton’s midfield, which will be needed following the loss of Adam Lallana to Liverpool.

“It’s part of our philosophy to bring in talented young players, and Saphir fits that bill,” said Koeman.

Taider was a rotational player during Inter Milan’s 2013-14 campaign, making 25 appearances (13 starts) for the Serie A club.

The Algeria international also played against Belgium and Germany during this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger added to his thoughts on Taider’s arrival at St. Mary’s: “When you get someone with such potential, a person from the World Cup, somebody already with leadership responsibility with his country, then this is something for us to be excited about.”

The striker had scored 27 goals in two season with the Serie A side, but fights and confrontations with teammates led to his departure. It was thought that a change of scenery would help the gifted – but volatile – goal scorer; but unfortunately things remained the same and Osvaldo was sent on loan to Juventus in January 2014.

He would only score once in eleven appearances with the Italian champions.