Southampton have announced the signing of Joachim Kayi Sanda from Valenciennes.
The 18-year-old French centre-back has agreed a deal until June 2029 and becomes Southampton's second arrival of the January transfer window, after Brazilian left-back Welington.
"I'm going to work hard for this club." 💪
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) January 9, 2025
Hear from our newest recruit for the first time:
Speaking to the club's official website, Sanda said: "I’m really happy to be here. I think this is a great city and a great club. I’ve been given a very warm welcome and I’m proud to represent this club.
"I hadn’t planned for it to come so quickly but it was in the back of my mind as a career goal and I’ve managed to achieve it early on. The club’s DNA in terms of improving young players and everything about the project convinced me to come here."
He captained France to the final of the 2023 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, in Indonesia, and has since graduated to Under-19 level, having played 37 times across the last two seasons for Valenciennes.
With just six points from 20 Premier League matches, Southampton are bottom of the table and have conceded 44 goals the second joint-highest total after Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Southampton fans could get a first glimpse of their teenage signing against Swansea City in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
The Saints follow up with a Premier League fixture at Manchester United on Thursday 16 January.
