On the 12th August, in a move that was completely unexpected, Saints announced the signing of 23 year old Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu on a three-year deal.
He moves from Chelsea, after joining them in 2011 from Barcelona, where he had been in their famous academy at La Masia.
Romeu was a team-mate of Ryan Bertrand, when Chelsea won the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League the following year.
He had injury problems, which resulted in him being sent on loan to Valencia the season before last and rather more successfully at VfB Stuttgart last season.
Les Reed was quoted as saying : “We are extremely happy to be able to bring Oriol to the club on a permanent basis."
“Once again, we are demonstrating our commitment to compete seriously on all fronts this season by continuing to build a squad with depth and quality."
“Oriol is a player we have had on the radar for some time – he was a prominent figure in the Chelsea team of 2011/12, when he made 24 appearances as a 20 year-old."
“Like Ryan Bertrand, we believe we have recruited another Chelsea player with an excellent pedigree but also with lots of potential to develop."
“He is another player who matches the Southampton profile – he is young and hungry, has been developed at a top academy and has already played at the highest level with plenty more to come."
It is clear that the club has been tracking him for some time and he is seen as being a key signing for the future of the club.
Welcome to Saints Oriol.
- Previous Club : Chelsea
- Age : 23
- Nationality : Spanish
- 2015-16 News
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Saints win the last match of the season
In what was ultimately a party atmosphere, Saints qualified for the Europa League by finishing in 5th place, equal on points with Manchester United, but ahead on goal difference. That could change, with the Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth game abandoned. If ManU win, or draw the rearranged game, then Saints will finish 6th, which is still a Europa League qualifying place.
Heck of a way to end the season.
- Premier League
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- Europa League
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Saints won the Qualifying Round 3 against Vitesse 5-0 on aggregate.
In the Play Off Round Saints faced Danish Champions, Midtjylland. The first leg was played on Thursday 20th August at St.Mary’s, ending in a 1-1 draw.
The decisive return match was on Thursday 27th August in Denmark, which ended in a poor 1-0 loss and ultimate exit from the competition.
- The League Cup
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Saints drew MKDons away on Wednesday 23rd September, which ended in a straightforward 6-0 win.
The next round was on Wednesday, 28th October at home to Aston Villa. This was a more comfortable win than the scoreline suggests
The final outing in this season’s League Cup was at home when Saints were comprehensively thrashed by Liverpool
- The FA Cup
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Well, that was short and not very sweet.
Saints faced Crystal Palace in the 3rd round of the 2015/16 FACup, but lost 1-2 on the day.
- 2015-16 Signings
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Saints signed nine players this season. Two on loan and seven on long term contracts. Read more about them by clicking the button.
- Kelvin's Testamonial
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Kelvin is retiring after being central to the club's rise through the divisions. Saints awarded him that rare thing these days, a testimonial which enabled him to have a great evening with current and past colleagues, while raising a lot of money for charity.