Romain Perraud completes Southampton medical ahead of signing

French left-back Romain Perraud has reportedly completed his medical ahead of signing for Southampton from Ligue 1 side Stade Brest.

This is according to the Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, with yesterday’s reports also suggesting that the signing could be announced today (Friday 2nd July).

A report from Foot Mercato (via Sports Witness) yesterday revealed that Perraud had arrived in England and was preparing for his medical. Now it appears that the process is one step closer.

23-year-old Perraud is regarded as an attack-minded full-back and a player capable of effectively carrying the ball long distances towards the opposing goal. His seven assists from full-back was the most of any defender in Ligue 1 last season.

Southampton will be hoping this is the first of many summer deals

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The signing of Perraud should give Saints some nice balance in their starting line-up. The absence of Ryan Bertrand for much of the closing stages of last season saw Ralph Hasenhuttl utilising a back three when his team were in possession and this was possibly due to the lack of natural full-back on the left.

Now he can return to a normal back four in all phases of the game if he wishes, although having more shapes in the armoury is not the worst idea in a highly tactical Premier League.

Perraud and Kyle Walker-Peters can certainly become wing-backs if required given that they are naturally attacking players but Hasenhuttl may well stay faithful to the 4-2-2-2 system overall if he feels he has the players to play it effectively.

Interestingly, Perraud played in a very similar style with Stade Brest last season. From October 2020 until the end of the 2020/21 season, then Brest manager Olivier Dall’Oglio utilised a 4-4-2 or 4-4-2 double-six (4-2-2-2) in many games. This is perhaps why Saints have acted so quickly to get him.

In terms of what Saints now need in the transfer window, they will surely be looking for further depth at full-back as well as attacking additions.