Southampton have confirmed the signing of Saphir Taider of Inter Milan in a swap deal which sees Saints striker Dani Osvaldo join the Italian club.
The 22-year-old, who was part of Algeria’s World Cup squad, has joined Southampton on a season long loan after making just 15 appearances for Inter Milan last season.
“It’s part of our philosophy for the club to bring in talented young players who like to learn and develop themselves, and that’s true of Saphir,” coach Ronald Koeman told Southampton’s official website.
“First of all, he is a talented football player. He’s 22 and has already played for Algeria at the World Cup.
“I’ve spoken to him about the positions he can play in, and it was a good meeting because he showed me real ambition.
Taider, who is a versatile midfielder, becomes the Saints’ fourth summer signing after Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle and Ryan Bertrand all completed their moves to the south coast club.
Southampton forward Osvaldo, who spent the latter part of last season on loan in Italy with Juventus, has joined Juve’s Serie A rivals Inter on season-long loan.
The 28-year-old Argentine signed a 4-year contract with the Saints in summer 2013, costing the club £15 million.
Notorious for his hot-headedness, the Osvaldo was shipped off to Italy on loan following an alleged training session bust-up.