OFFICIAL: Southampton sign Pied from Nice

The 27-year-old defender links up with his former boss Claude Puel, having signed a two-year contract after leaving Nice on a free transfer earlier this summer

Southampton have completed the signing of French full-back Jeremy Pied on a free transfer from Nice.

The 27-year-old left the Ligue 1 club after his contract expired earlier this summer and has signed a two-year deal with the Saints.

“I am very happy to be able to join this new team. I’m very proud. The English league is a very attractive one and it was a goal of mine to be able to play in it,” Pied told the club’s official website. 

“I’m now very happy to join Southampton. You only have to look at the facilities and their results over the last few seasons to know that this is a very good Premier League club."

It is the third time in Pied's career that he has linked up with new Southampton boss Claude Puel, having played under him with Lyon and Nice.

“The signing of Jeremy confirms the commitment of Southampton to succeed again in the Premier League and Europa League, as well as go for a run in the cup competitions," said Southampton's executive director of football Les Reed. “We already have a top quality right-back in Cedric, whose achievements with Portugal in the summer were outstanding. While Jeremy will provide excellent competition, he is also a versatile defender and again will be pushing Cedric, Cuco [Martina] and the other current defensive incumbents hard.

“The squad is training very well and there is real competition all-round, which is only right for an ambitious team. They will all be called upon this year to contribute to our pursuit for success, and Jérémy will only add to that.

“I hope everyone will join me in welcoming Jeremy to the south coast as we look forward to another fantastic season.”