Italian ace seals move to Premier League with Saints.
Southampton have announced the signing of former Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo, with the Italian international signing a four-year deal.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a productive spell with the Giallorossi but due to disciplinary issues, the club have been looking to push through a sale this summer.
Having publicly criticised former boss Aurelio Andreazzoli last season, he has had repeated run-ins with supporters over the past few months and will be relieved to have finally secured a move to England.
#SaintsFC are delighted to announce the signing of Italy international striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo from @OfficialASRoma.
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 18, 2013
Tottenham had also reportedly been interested in signing the prolific striker, but Mauricio Pochettino has clinched a reunion with the marksman after their time together at Espanyol.
Osvaldo is expected to be available for Saturday’s clash against Sunderland at St.Mary’s, and is set to be officially unveiled as a Southampton player on Monday.
It has not yet been confirmed as to how much Southampton have paid for his services, but initial reports suggest a fee in the region of €18m plus a further €2m in performance-related bonuses as reported by Football Italia.
In addition, Osvaldo is set to earn €3m per season over the course of his four-year deal, and will be keen to continue his goalscoring exploits as he looks to further establish himself as a permanent fixture in Cesare Prandelli’s Italy squad ahead of the World Cup.
While his ability on the pitch is not in doubt, it remains to be seen whether or not his off-field exploits effect his Premier League adventure.
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