Southampton have confirmed they agreed personal terms with two Sao Paulo players ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The Saints secured promotion through the play-offs last season, beating Leeds at Wembley, and are looking to strengthen their squad as they bid to remain in England’s top flight.
And head coach Russell Martin is getting plenty of faces through the door, including two from Brazilian side Sao Paulo.
A statement on the club website said: “Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce that it has agreed personal terms with two current Sao Paulo players; Welington and Juan.
“Both players have signed pre-contract agreements with Southampton that will see them join up with the club in January, when their current contracts with the Brazilian Série A side expire.
“Welington is a 23-year-old left-back who has already made 150 appearances for Sao Paulo, including victories in the Copa do Brazil final in 2023 and the Supercopa do Brazil final in 2024. He has also represented Brazil at Under-20 and Under-23 level.
We are delighted to announce that we have agreed personal terms with two current @SaoPauloFC players; Wellington and Juan.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 26, 2024
“Juan is a 22-year-old forward who has scored eight goals in 80 appearances for São Paulo and has also represented Brazil at Under 19 level.”
The two additions will not be able to provide immediate help, but should be available for start for the Saints in the early part of 2025.
Alongside Welington and Juan, Southampton have signed a number of new players, including 22-year-old Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City, Flynn Downes from West Ham and Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar.
Adam Lallana is also returning to the club on a free transfer, while veteran Charlie Taylor has also moved to the South Coast from Burnley.
