This was predicted on here yesterday that Southampton would be signing and announcing Mateus Fernandes on Tuesday evening and now it's official, but will the 20 year old be another star in the making or another flop.

We predicted yesterday in our article Transfer To Southampton To Be Announced On Tuesday that Mateus Fernandes would be a Southampton player by Tuesday evening.

Now BBC Sport have confirmed that the young midfielder is now a Saint after signing a five year deal with a fee said to be in the region of £15 million.

The big question though for Southampton fans is whether the club have unearthed another under the radar genius in the mode of Tino Livramento or Romeo Lavia, or it will be a signing that never quite gels and doesn't really come off.

Hopefully it will be the former and Fernandes will be a key player in the coming season.

Southampton manager Russell Martin said Fernandes had "key attributes" to help the club "here and now in the Premier League".

"Mateus is a player we have been monitoring for a while and someone we are really excited about"

The 20 year old midfielder had this to say about his arrival at St Mary's:

"I'm very happy to be here - it's a dream come true to come to England and play in the Premier League," the 20-year-old said.

"It's the best league in the world, in my opinion. It has the best coaches, the best players, the best teams. It's good for me, for my growth and I'm happy."

Photo: Action Images

saintmark1976 added 21:49 - Aug 20 Every man and his dog can see we need a keeper and a centre forward but no, we spend £15 million pounds ( money we are constantly told the club doesn’t have ) on a twenty year old midfielder with no English league experience whatsoever. Exactly what planet are our owners, the board and management team on at the moment?
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Monksway added 22:07 - Aug 20 With the exception of a GK on loan, that must be the last of the additions. Now it's presumably an exodus to pay for them - KWP, ABK (medical allowing), Charles, Alcaraz, Kamaldeen, Onuachu and Mara at a guess. I really hope that Fernandes is better than Alcaraz but I'm not holding my breath.
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Colburn added 22:10 - Aug 20 The Sporting youth set up has a history of great success so hopefully he will work out. Video clips look decent but you never know if the inexperienced from overseas will settle and perform in the Prem. Still no sign of Ramsdale or another keeper one assumes?
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ItchenNorth added 22:15 - Aug 20 Hi Saintmark We've bought two centre forwards, Diaz and Archer. Who's to say the club are not trying to sign a keeper? There is still time in this window to buy or loan a keeper. Fernandes looks a good player. I like the signings we've made so far. Time will tell if they'll cut it, but we are making moves to add strength and depth to our squad
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AmericanSaint added 00:15 - Aug 21 OMG - What the F are we doing>>>>. We NEED a GK like NOW. Any idiot can see this except for the nits in the recruitment and board rooms. After this weekend, EVRYONE will increase their price for a GK by $5M as they know we are in a bad spot. I bet we dont sign a GK and AM will cost us at least 10 pts this season. Remember this if we are in the relegation scrap. FFS!!!! I am so pissed off right now.

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derbydog added 07:44 - Aug 21 It’s a big assumption to make that Saints can’t multi-task and are not negotiating for a keeper while finalising this deal. I don’t imagine we have the money to buy one though, so it will be a loan or a freebie. Either way Gavin, the big money buy, gets back in when fit. Meanwhile should Lumley be given a shot if we haven’t done a deal for a new keeper by Saturday?
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saintmark1976 added 09:48 - Aug 21 Morning ItchenNorth. Let’s all hope that you are correct and both these “ centre forwards” come good. If my research is correct Diaz and Archer have scored 10 Premiership goals between them. Diaz at age 25 and Archer at 22. Hardly pulling up trees I think you will agree but it is what it is I suppose. Reference a keeper, once again I hope you are correct. We will know in ten days time but the omens at present are hardly auspicious and the clock ticks relentlessly.

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SaintPaulVW added 10:44 - Aug 21 We're like a poor man's Chelsea at times. Just loan or buy a keeper FFS
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Bowlercow added 10:53 - Aug 21 St Mark The two players have scored 10 between them but in how many games ? If Diaz scores at the same rate as he did at Sheffield Utd it equates to 16 in a season We are all agreed that a ball playing shot stopper is top requirement Rumours link us with 4 at the last count Johnston Ramsdale one from Lazio and Steel from Brighton I would take Steel
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