Southampton have confirmed the signing of defender Ronnie Edwards from League One side Peterborough United.
The 21-year-old has penned a four-year deal at the newly-promoted Saints, committing him to the project at St Mary's until the summer of 2028.
Edwards was nearly an ever-present for Peterborough in the third tier last season, starting 45 of his team's League One fixtures, scoring once and providing one assist.
Although Darren Ferguson's troops missed out on their ultimate goal of returning to the Championship, the centre-back was part of a Posh side who lifted the EFL Trophy at Wembley in April, beating Wycombe Wanderers in the final.
After making the switch from Barnet to Peterborough in August 2020, Edwards featured in 143 matches for the third-tier outfit across all competitions, catching the eye of many clubs higher up the football pyramid in the process.
Ronnie's a RED ❤️
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 3, 2024
We're delighted to announce the signing of Ronnie Edwards:
"A dream come true" - Edwards excited for Saints challenge
Speaking to Southampton's media channels on Wednesday with the move confirmed, Edwards expressed his excitement and desire to get going on the South coast, where he will become a Premier League footballer for the first time.
"I am buzzing to be here. It is a massive club and I cannot wait to get started. Obviously from what happened last year they (Southampton) had an unbelievable season," said England Under-20s captain Edwards.
"The manager seems like he has got a great bunch of lads and they have got a real togetherness, and the style of play Southampton plays suits me the best.
"I am excited to get going. It is a dream come true for anyone, so I have got to be excited and obviously looking forward to it."
Southampton head coach Russell Martin added: "Ronnie is a supremely talented footballer with a lot of games already under his belt and a healthy level of experience, even at 21 years of age.
"He shows amazing courage to play, and possesses all the attributes we would look for in a young defender. He is so excited for the opportunity to play in the Premier League and we cannot wait to get to work with him."
© Reuters
Edwards waited for the right opportunity
A stalwart in a relatively-successful Peterborough side over the past three years, Edwards has understandably attracted a lot of interest from Premier League and Championship teams in recent times.
The 21-year-old could have departed for a second-tier club last summer and been a regular at that level, however the centre-back has now reaped the rewards of his patience.
Edwards is a Premier League footballer for a team that will suit his playing style and allow him to develop into a top-flight regular.
He becomes the Saints' third new addition of the summer window, following the arrivals of free signings Adam Lallana and Charlie Taylor from Brighton & Hove Albion and Burnley respectively, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis has finalised a permanent move.
Carter White
