Southampton land long-term target Che Adams

 

Southampton have announced a deal for Birmingham striker Che Adams worth a reported £15m.

 

Adams has put pen to paper on a five-year deal running until the summer of 2024 and becomes the club’s second new signing of the window.

 

Southampton had a £10m bid for Adams rejected in January and were ready to walk away from a deal this summer after struggling to make a breakthrough in talks with Birmingham.

 

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have, however, managed to get a deal over the line and Adams will now provide competition in attack with the likes of Danny Ings, Charlie Austin and Shane Long.

 

“I’m delighted,” Adams told the club’s official website. “There was interest in January, when it didn’t quite happen, but I’m happy now that it’s all gone through.

 

“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.”

 

 

Adams has spent the last three years at Birmingham but last season was by far his best for the Championship outfit.

 

In fact, the 22-year-old scored 10 more league goals last season (22) than his first two league campaigns for Birmingham combined (12).