Southampton finally get their hands on Birmingham’s Che Adams
Southampton have completed the signing of Birmingham forward Che Adams for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around £15million.
The 22-year-old, who registered 22 Sky Bet Championship goals for Blues last season, has agreed a five-year contract with the Premier League club.
Adams scored 38 times in 123 appearances during his three-year stay at St Andrew’s after joining from Sheffield United in 2016.
Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl told his club’s website: “Che fits the profile of player we want to bring to Southampton and is very driven to show what he can do at the highest level.
“We have been monitoring his progress for some time now.
“He has shown a desire to join us above all other clubs, which shows the positive reputation Southampton has built for developing young players.”
Adams becomes the second summer arrival at St Mary’s following the signing of Mali winger Moussa Djenepo from Belgian club Standard Liege.
“I’m delighted. There was interest in January, when it didn’t quite happen, but I’m happy now that it’s all gone through,” said Adams.
“You can see with the track history – the amount of young players they’re playing, the gaffer’s belief in the young players, the squad in itself – where the club is going to be. I want to be part of that.”
The club, meanwhile, has made a number of changes to Hasenhuttl’s backroom staff.
Dave Watson has stepped up to first-team assistant coach with immediate effect, with Andrew Sparkes replacing him as goalkeeping coach.
Craig Fleming has been made permanent first-team assistant coach, having performed the job on an interim basis since Hasenhuttl’s arrival in December.
Other changes include Matt Hale being promoted to academy director, Ed Vahid taking the academy manager role, Chris Welman being appointed head of academy recruitment, and Matthew Banks joining the first team support staff as strength and conditioning coach.
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