Saints have this morning received confirmation of the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Guilherme do Prado "Guly".
The signing marks something of a coup for Saints, with a number of Serie A teams interested in signing the 28 year old, most notably Chievo and Roma. The Club has signed him on a five month loan deal until January from his current Club Cesena, where he is one of their key players. Saints have an option to make the deal permanent when the next transfer window opens at the turn of the year.
"Guly" has made a name for himself in Italian football with his ability on the ball and natural attacking instincts. He played a key role for Cesena as they got promoted to Serie A last season, scoring nine goals in thirty four appearances.
 Guly arrives at Staplewood |
An attacking midfielder by trade, do Prado looks set to bring an exciting new dimension to the Saints first team squad, and standing at over six feet tall he will add a controlling and inventive presence to the centre of the park.
The Brazilian has joined up with his new teammates at Staplewood this morning. His paperwork has been ratified by the Football League; however, the Club is still waiting on international clearance from the Italian FA. It is hoped that this will arrive in time to allow do Prado to be available to play in tomorrow night's Carling Cup clash with Premier League side Bolton Wanderers.
Speaking exclusively to www.saintsfc.co.uk do Prado explained that he was delighted to have made the switch to Saints.
"I am delighted that everything has now been agreed and that I can now join up with my new teammates, I can't wait to start playing.
"I was looking forward to what was going to be a very exciting season playing in Serie A, and although there was interest in me from other Serie A clubs, as soon as I heard Southampton were interested I knew that I had to come here.
"I have always wanted to play in England and at the highest possible level. The Chairman sold me his vision for where this Club is going and I wanted to be a part of that and help take this Club through the divisions."
