Saints have finally announced the signing of Manolo Gabbiadini from Napoli with the Italian joining for an undislosed fee which is believed to be well short of the 25 million euros that Napoli originally wanted.

Southampton Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Italian international Manolo Gabbiadini on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 25 year-old forward arrives from Serie A side Napoli for an undisclosed fee on a deal until the summer of 2021.

Gabbiadini’s career began with Atalanta, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions between 2009 and 2012, while also enjoying a successful spell with Cittadella, in Serie B.

The Italy international has since gone on to represent Bologna, Sampdoria and Napoli in Serie A, making 160 appearances in all competitions for the three clubs.

In total, Gabbiadini has netted 58 club goals in 215 appearances during his time in Italy, while also winning six caps for the Italian national side, scoring once.

Speaking about his move to the club, Gabbiadini said: "I am very, very happy. Since I was a kid, one of my dreams was to perform in one of the biggest leagues in the world, so now that it's happening I can't wait to start playing.

"The facilities that I have seen here are an incredible level — top-level standards even for Serie A. These are the sort of facilities that make you want to come here and perform as soon as possible.”

Executive Director of Football Les Reed said: “We are delighted to have secured the signing of Manolo Gabbiadini, ahead of a number of other clubs who were interested in him.

“We have followed his progress for a significant amount of time and have worked hard behind the scenes to agree a deal for him this month.

“At the age of 25, we believe Manolo can play an important part in the remainder of the season, while still having his best years ahead of him.

"Claude Puel’s reputation for developing young players also makes this an ideal place in which he can take the next step in his career.

“With Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond all in good form, and Charlie Austin making encouraging progress in his return from injury, Manolo is another exciting addition to our attacking line-up ahead of the final months of the season, as well as for future campaigns.”

Photo: Action Images

dirk_doone added 22:22 - Jan 31 Does Les Reed have to grab every photo op with his stupid grin? Why can't we have normal signing photos with the manager and player like other clubs and like we used to before Reed started his self-promotion PR campaign?
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pintsizedsaint added 22:39 - Jan 31 My word that was long drawn out saga, but he's finally here. Good signing, and it appears this was not a knee-jerk but someone we've been tracking for a while (hence Koeman/Everton trying their luck in the summer?) and finally saw an opportunity to pounce. Napoli clearly anguished to part with him as they clearly think he's got a lot of potential, but just doesn't suit their current style of play. Look forward to seeing him play.

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SaintNick added 22:44 - Jan 31 The manager has been in Wales all day hence not available for photo opportunities
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pintsizedsaint added 22:49 - Jan 31 Apparently Sakho has gone to Palace! On a loan! After the scousers said no to a loan deal for us?
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dirk_doone added 23:01 - Jan 31 Nick, it makes no difference to Les Reed if the manager is at St Mary's or not. Reed always makes sure he is the only one in the photos with the new signings. At least if he balanced that by showing himself in the pictures where he tells them he's selling them, he wouldn't appear so smug.
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Saintcole7 added 23:11 - Jan 31 "With Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond all in good form" REALLY how many goals from them all in how many games, what games has he been watching??? lets hope he hits the ground running as I'm not convinced Les has a clue what we do or don't need??? Sorry all you positive people out there but I think our "planning" is a joke, transfer deadline day, but that's me and I expect to be told I'm a whatever by certain posters on this site???

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SanMarco added 23:19 - Jan 31 Good that we got this one in - I hope he hits the road running. But no CB brought in. I can only believe that VVD will be back very soon - otherwise this is madness. We threw the cup game because the league was more important and then mastermind Les decides we don't need a defender. I, for one, will be quite happy to get this season behind us. Yes, we have the final, but the rest will be a scramble for 40 points. I suspect we will get there but the recklessness in not strengthening the defence is incredible.

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BoondockSaint added 23:19 - Jan 31 Hey dirk- I love how Les has his jacket off, as if he has been really working hard on this.....if we ever sign a big name, Les will have the the sleeves rolled up and his collar and tie loosened like he's Perry White toiling all night on a special edition to hit the stands in the morning.
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OwenTheSaint added 23:21 - Jan 31 Great signing. Now what about a centre back that we desperately need also?
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saintmark1976 added 23:43 - Jan 31 Good realistic post Saintcole7. Frankly comments like those from Les Reed are an insult to the intelligence when the facts show that the whole team have only scored 23 league goals in the same number of games this season. Fully in agreement with you SanMarco. I could not have put it better myself except to say that I am not as confident as you in us reaching 40 points given five defeats out of the last six games even with VVD playing in some of those matches.

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SaintDownUnder added 03:08 - Feb 1 Gabbiadini looks like an extra from a Robin Hood film. Glad I could add real value to this post You're welcome.
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vanmans added 08:54 - Feb 1 WHAT NO DEFENDER?
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richsaints added 09:29 - Feb 1 Seriously worried only 3 points from last 18 and we let one CB leave and now VVD is injured indefinitely and no replacement brought in .Gabbiadini only scored 5 in 19 so hardly pulling up tree's so forgive me for not getting too excited I think league cup run has glossed over a pretty poor season so far and we don't have enough points to feel comfortable yet.
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SaintBrock added 09:52 - Feb 1 Somebody correct me if they will but loan signings are permitted after the window closes, yes? In which case we may be working on a CB to a different deadline..
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SaintBrock added 10:43 - Feb 1 Players out of contract or unattached to any clubs can be recruited outside the transfer window, while many deals will be confirmed before then.
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SaintPaulVW added 11:03 - Feb 1 Now, I've just got to stop calling him Marco.
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Lazz added 05:29 - Feb 3 Les reed likes selling so much I'm sure I've seen him selling burgers.
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