I’m probably the happiest man in Southampton – Ryan Fraser | OneFootball

One piece of positive news on deadline day, is that Newcastle United have finally got rid of Ryan Fraser for good.

Simultaneous statements released by United and Southampton revealing the news.

Ryan Fraser declaring ‘I’m probably the happiest man in Southampton at the minute.’

The very brief Newcastle United statement (see below) saying that the winger had moved ‘on a permanent deal.’

Whilst the Southampton statement (also see below) was far lengthier and went into more detail.

The Saints revealing that Newcastle United had to give Ryan Fraser away, in order to get rid of him for good.

Southampton saying that Newcastle had to agree to terminate the final year of his contract, so Ryan Fraser could leave as a free agent, to no doubt maximise his wages, with Southampton having to pay no transfer fee and him getting a two year deal.

Southampton official announcement – 30 August 2024:

We are delighted to confirm Ryan Fraser will be returning to Southampton Football Club on a two-year contract.

Fraser, who played a significant role in the team’s promotion from the Championship during a season-long loan deal last term, has now moved back to St Mary’s as a free agent on the final day of the summer transfer window, having agreed to terminate his contract at Newcastle.

He played 44 times for the team during the 2023/24 campaign, including the play-off final victory against Leeds United, while also scoring eight goals.

Fraser, 30, has made 173 Premier League appearances across his spells with Bournemouth and Newcastle, as well as being capped 26 times for Scotland, adding significant experience and depth to Russell Martin’s squad.

Southampton manager Russell Martin said: “Wee Man played such an important part in our squad last season, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, and all of us are delighted to have him back.

“Everyone could see the quality and creativity he has and he delivered in so many big moments for us. What many people outside of the building won’t have seen is the impact he also had off the pitch within the group, and it’s fantastic for us to be able to keep someone not only with great ability, but the same level of character too.

“His experience in the Premier League is an additional asset, and he’s delivered at that level consistently over the time he’s played there, so it’s another really positive signing for us.”

Ryan Fraser said: “I’m probably the happiest man in Southampton at the minute. It’s been a long summer from the play-off final to now, but my number one goal was to get back here and now that it’s happened, it’s one of my proudest moments to be honest. Probably second after winning the play-offs. So yeah, it’s really nice to be here.

“I think the journey that the players and the fans went through last season, we came together and it’s amazing to be back.”

Newcastle United official announcement – 30 August 2024:

‘Newcastle United can confirm that winger Ryan Fraser has departed the club and joined Southampton on a permanent deal.

Fraser, who spent last season on loan at St Mary’s, made 59 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies following his arrival from AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2020.’