Southampton transfer news: Saints confirm departure of Jan Bednarek to Porto

Southampton defender Jan Bednarek has completed a permanent move to Porto.

The 29-year-old was a regular part of the Saints team last season as they struggled massively on their return to the Premier League.

Bednarek featured in 30 top-flight contests for Southampton, who finished rock bottom of the standings after 38 gruelling gameweeks.

The Saints collected just 12 points across the campaign, meaning that they were miles behind the race for top-flight survival.

Since making the move to the South coast in the summer of 2017, Bednarek has featured in 254 appearances for Southampton.

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Southampton's Bednarek seals Porto switch

Late on Monday night (July 28) Southampton announced on their social media channels of a major departure from their ranks.

After eight years at the club, defender Bednarek has secured a move to Porto of the Primeira Liga, subject to international clearance.

The Poland international is the latest high-profile name to set off from St Mary's following the club's relegation to the Championship.

After plenty of transfer speculation since last summer, Kyle Walker-Peters left to link up with West Ham United in the Premier League.

Losing two key defenders, Southampton have some work to do in the summer market as they hunt down promotion from the second tier.

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Southampton's summer business

Aiming to secure an immediate return to the Premier League, Southampton are favourites for the second-tier title alongside Ipswich Town according to the odds.

The Saints have signed two players this summer, bringing striker Damion Downs and defender Joshua Quarshie from FC Koln and Hoffenheim respectively.

Joining the club recently, new head coach Will Still is looking to put his imprint on a squad already stacked with plenty of quality for the level.