The Poland Under-21 international has agreed a five-year-deal at St Mary’s, becoming the club’s first signing of the summer.



Saints’ first-team squad will return for pre-season on Monday, but Bednarek’s involvement in the Under-21 European Championship earlier this month means he will link up with his new teammates later in July.



The 21-year-old was a regular in the Lech side that finished third in the Polish top-flight last term, with the centre-back having represented his country at every youth level from under-16s upwards.



i am so happy that i could join a club like southampton. jan bednarek

saints' new signing

Vice Chairman (Football) Les Reed said: “Jan is an extremely promising young player who possesses significant potential.



“We are delighted to bring him to the club, and we believe this will be the ideal place for him to continue his development.



“This is a particularly exciting time for him to arrive here, as he also has the opportunity to learn from Mauricio Pellegrino’s extensive experience of playing the centre-back position.

“Jan provides additional depth to the impressive amount we have in that area, with Virgil van Dijk, Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens having all performed so impressively there last season, and he provides us with another excellent central defensive option.”



Jan Bednarek said: “I am so happy that I could join a club like Southampton. This is the moment I have worked for that makes my dreams come true. It only gives me motivation to work hard, to show my skills and to help Southampton to get better and better.



“I think it's a good step for me, because I have heard Southampton is such a good club for young players, so I can improve here. I think it will be a good move for me.”

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