After a successful loan spell for the Saints during last year's promotion-winning campaign, Ryan Fraser has joined Southampton on a free transfer from Newcastle following a mutual termination of his contract at the club.
The Scotsman has signed a two-year deal and becomes Southampton's 13th new arrival this summer - the second to arrive on deadline day after goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The 'Wee Man' made 44 appearances for the Saints last season - including a start at Wembley for the play-off final - and scored eight times.
Russell Martin has been keen to add firepower to their attack before the fast-approaching deadline, particularly as his side are yet to score a Premier League goal, with Fraser being identified as their primary target.
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Last season's triumph
When Fraser was brought in by Martin on a season-long loan, many expected him to just be a solid squad player, but he turned out to be vital in their promotion-winning campaign.
His pace has always caused defenders problems and his directness worked wonders at points last season, especially when coming off the bench against tiring legs.
In 44 games, which included just 16 starts, he netted eight and assisted three - a return that doesn't fully reflect the impact he had on the team.
Speaking earlier in the transfer window, Russell Martin was full of praise for Fraser, saying: "I think we’re all hopeful that at some point that will happen [he will come back]. But he’s contracted to Newcastle. I think he would love to come back and we would love to keep him.
“Everyone wants him: Me, the fans, the owners, the players and the staff – Wee Man himself, but he is under contract at another club."
The 30-year-old winger also spoke highly about the club after winning promotion with them, saying after the final: "It's probably the best feeling I've had in my career.
"Obviously, I have had other promotions, but this one doesn't come close. This is by far the best feeling I've ever had.
"I've said it for so long now but it's just the family, spirits, the fans, the gaffer, the lads - I could just keep going and there's just no better feeling."
However, after a long summer of negotiations and talks, Southampton finally have their man.
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Falling out with Eddie Howe
After working together at Bournemouth, it seemed like Fraser might flourish under Eddie Howe like he did at the Cherries, given their long-standing relationship, but the opposite happened.
After a falling out over transfer speculation and a drop in training standards, something Fraser completely rubbished, Howe banished the winger from the first-team and told him to play in the under-21's, saying he "only wants committed players" in his side.
This occurred in the February of 2023, with the winger joining Southampton in August after not playing a competitive match since the 19th October 2022.
Fraser had one year remaining on his contract at Newcastle, suggesting that if Southampton didn't come in for him this deadline day, he would have been stuck in the reserves until at least January.
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What is next for Southampton
Deadline day has already been an enthralling one for Saints fans, with Ramsdale, Fraser, and - soon to be - Maxwel Cornet coming through the door.
This means that incomings seem highly unlikely at this stage, although outgoings are still a huge a possibility.
Armel Bella-Kotchap, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Paul Onuachu are all still for sale, with the latter likely to end up at Turkish outfit Trabzonspor - the club he spent last season out on loan at.
