Saints signed José Fonte from Championship side Crystal Palace in the January 2010 transfer window.

The Portugese national is a dominating 6' 2" central defender who played over 75 times for the Eagles since moving to England in July 2007, and in that time became a key player for Palace at the heart of their defence. He won countless Man of the Match awards in the process, and has also drawn plaudits from fans for his ability on the ball.

The 26 year-old's arrival marked another significant capture for the Club. Saints saw off competition from a higher level to bring the centre back to St. Mary's on a contract until the summer of 2013.

Prior to his move into English football, Fonte played across his homeland beginning his career on the books of Portugese giants Sporting Lisbon. He made his mark however, at Vitória de Setúbal where he soon came to the attention of one of Portugal's other leading lights, Benfica. He made one appearance at the Estádio da Luz (Stadium of Light) before enjoying a further loan at Paços de Ferreira.

It was during this spell that he appeared for his national side at Under-21 level. The defender teamed up with the Under-21's preparation squad prior to the 2006 European Championships.

Fonte then moved to London and Selhurst Park, closer to his brother Rui who was a part of Arsenal's youth set up at the time.

He played consistently in the Championship for the two seasons, proving to be useful at both ends of the pitch, scoring six times for Palace.