Who is Jan Bednarek? We profile Southampton's new signing

Poland U21 international Jan Bednarek (R) has joined Southampton

We profile Poland defender Jan Bednarek after he joined Southampton from Lech Poznan.

The 21-year-old has penned a five-year deal with Saints after competing with Poland at the European U21 Championship.

How will the defender fit in at St Mary's? We look at his background and his qualities...

Factfile Name Jan Bednarek Age 21 Former clubs Lech Poznan Nationality Polish

Club Career

The centre-back has spent the entirety of his short career at Polish Ekstraklasa side Lech Poznan, joining the club as a youth player before breaking into the first team in 2013.

Bednarek had a spell on loan at Gornik Leczna in the 2015/16 season, making 17 appearances, before returning to Poznan where he became a regular starter last term.

The 21-year-old made 27 league appearances for his club and scored one goal as they finished third in the Polish Ekstraklasa and were runners-up for the Polish Cup.

He was contracted to the club until 30 June 2020 and Lech Poznan were reportedly in no rush to sell one of their best players.

Watch highlights of Poland's 2-2 draw with Sweden at the European U21 Championship Watch highlights of Poland's 2-2 draw with Sweden at the European U21 Championship

International career

Bednarek is tipped for a call-up to the Poland first team soon and has played for his country from U17 to the current U21 squad.

For both the U20s and U21s, he has played under manager Marcin Dorna, who also took the Poland U17s to the semi-finals of their European Championships in 2012.

Hosts Poland finished bottom of their group at the European U21 Championship after two wins and one draw.

Is he right for Southampton?

Bednarek certainly fits the profile of a Saints signing - he is a rough diamond who has the potential to flourish into a talented defender and has reportedly cost a relatively low fee.

Southampton's vice chairman Reed says the club's transfer policy won't change following the appointment of new manager Mauricio Pellegrino Southampton's vice chairman Reed says the club's transfer policy won't change following the appointment of new manager Mauricio Pellegrino

Southampton are in desperate need of centre-back reinforcements with Jose Fonte and Martin Caceres gone and the future of Virgil Van Dijk remaining firmly in the balance.

What has been said?

Southampton vice chairman Les Reed: "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 Bednarek: "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."