Saints have made the fourth signing of the close season with the arrival of Cuco Martina from FC Twente.

Martina who was a team mate of Dusan Tadic at Twente has worked with Erwin Koeman in the past.

At a fee believed to be in the region of around £1 million and only on a 2 year deal the 25 year old seems to be being signed as a squad player due to his ability to play not only on either side of the park as a full bak but also in central defence.

Whilst this signing probably won't excite too many people it is not only showing how Ronald Koeman is building a bigger depth in the squad, but how far we have come as a club, it was not that long ago that we paid a similar fee for Yoshida to be a first choice central defender, now we are looking at squad players for this price.

Of course Saints fans are wanting to see some big names arrive in the next week or so, but sometimes its the lesser signings that can be crucial and the versatility of Martina could be just that given our lack of cover at right back.

Mind you Martina seems to have read too many copies of the Portsmouth News with his first quotes as a Southampton player, although he stops short of calling us the "Bestest fans in the world" and comparing us to Barcelona he is somewhat a little over the top.

"I’m very happy to be here at a big club like Southampton," Martina said in an official statement.

"I’ve followed Southampton now for two years and I see they are now a big club.

"I know Ronald Koeman and Erwin Koeman — I worked with Erwin for one year and everything was good. He knows my qualities and I know what he wants.

"It was a dream for me to play in the Premier League and finally I can play now. I hope to play many games and show the fans who I am."

Photo: Action Images

michaeljoycetf added 13:36 - Jul 7 Not excited about this signing, unless we have seen something in him that others have failed to. In principle, we don't want 25 yr old 1m squad players. We want players that are better than those we have now and are able to take us to the next level. If we miss out on Toby and it's beginning to look that way, then we have to wonder why, as he was in the bag and somehow somebody let him slip away. Four new signings and nothing to cheer about yet.

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simmo400 added 15:01 - Jul 7 Agree with the last post. We have an academy. Use these players of ship them out for experience, or whats the point of it ? Matt Targett not good enough anymore ?
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IWOZTHERE added 15:43 - Jul 7 This smells of 'panic buying' to me but I admire your positive 'spin'. Saints supporters have been banging on through various forums about how crucial it was to keep Alderweireld and it appears it's been screwed up big time. Well done Les (I assume he's responsible for wheeling and dealing. We should have tied this down before Toby's head was turned but tried to get him 'on the cheap'. I hate to admit that Spurs have been PRO-ACTIVE...just gone out and got themselves a player prob. worth 15m. Furious is an understatement, You've enjoyed some plaudits Les but now ............... 'BRACE YOURSELF!'

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Jesus_02 added 16:56 - Jul 7 simmo400: If Matt Target IS good he will get a game. There are going to be plenty
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darkangelv2 added 17:01 - Jul 7 I can understand some of the underwhelmed comments. At the same time, don't we need more squad players like this? He must be a calibre that is scouted to be capable in the premier league AND the Europa league in 3 positions. But also not spit the dummy if he's not played every week. Only the Black Box knows which of our academy players will be of use in this more taxing season. PS. Agreed, Target will defo get game time.

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thegeneral added 18:07 - Jul 7 Underwhelmed too, a player valued at a million quid at 25 years old really can't be much kop. I agree the squad needs to increase in size to allow for rotation in a season that will be tough, but all i can see is a weak point. Hooiveld scared the hell out of me every time he played but it wasn't really his fault, he's a lower championship division 1 standard player pushed above his level and thats my gut feeling with this player, lets hope he's just there as cover for cover.

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