Southampton have confirmed the signing of Bournemouth winger David Brooks after the Cherries make a tough decision to let him leave temporarily.
The Saints have been in sensational form in the Championship and have now gone 20 games unbeaten as they chase promotion.
Russell Martin has still been looking for reinforcements though and he really wanted to add another winger to his ranks.
As reported by HITC Football on Monday, Southampton had been in talks to sign Burnley winger Manuel Benson but the move collapsed on Monday morning.
Souces indicated that Southampton pivoted to Bournemouth wide man David Brooks and had the deal agreed on Monday, with confirmation of his move coming through on Tuesday night.
Southampton and Bournemouth react to David Brooks move
Brooks has only started two Premier League games this season and come off the bench in another 11.
The 26-year-old is rebuilding his career after more than a year out of the game having been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021.
Brooks is now hoping to shine and Bournemouth acknowledge that letting him go, after such a courageous journey, was a difficult decision.
Cherries chief executive Neill Blake has now told the club’s official website that Brooks has been allowed to make this move with ‘a certain level of reluctance’ because he means so much to the club.
“Having discussed David’s situation with him this month, and taking into account his desire to be playing more minutes of first-team football, we have accepted his request to authorise such a move,” said Blake.
“There has been a certain level of reluctance on our part, as David means a great deal to us all at the club. It is because of this that we respect his wishes, and look forward to his return where he will continue to be a valuable asset to our squad, hopefully for many years to come,” he added.
Southampton appear to be delighted with the move having already landed one Bournemouth loanee in Joe Rothwell earlier this month.
Director of Football Jason Wilcox has told Southampton’s official website that he thinks Brooks is a ‘very talented and dynamic player’ who will now be able to make a big impact for the Saints.
“We were clear coming into this window that we ideally wanted a wide player, and David’s name was at the very top of the list, so we’re extremely pleased to have added him to the squad,” said Wilcox. “He’s a very talented and dynamic player who will further increase both our quality and depth.
“It’s been a very positive month of business with the additions of Joe and now David, and we feel we’ve put ourselves in a strong position for the remainder of the season,” he added.
Southampton travel to take on Rotherham United in the Championship this weekend and Brooks will be in line for a debut appearance.
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