Southampton have signed Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu for £5m on a three-year contract. The 23-year-old made 34 appearances for the Blues in what was a relatively disappointing spell at the club.

Romeu joined Chelsea on 4th August 2011, with the player signing a four-year contract in a deal worth around €5 million. The deal also gave Barcelona first refusal via a buy back option should Chelsea deem him surplus to requirements, something the Catalan side decided not to proceed with.

The Spaniard rarely made an impact for the Blues and mainly served as a bit part player for the club. Since Mourinho re-joined, it was clear the 23-year old was not part of his plans. Romeu spent the last two seasons on loan at German club Stuttgart and Spanish side Valencia.

Romeu has played in almost every level at international level except for the Spanish senior side.

Saints executive director of football Les Reed said Romeu had been “on the radar for some time” and “matches the Southampton profile” of being “young, hungry and developed at a top academy”.

“Like Ryan Bertrand, we believe we have recruited another Chelsea player with an excellent pedigree but also with lots of potential to develop.” said Reed.

Romeu said: “After spending two years on loan, I needed something permanent and a club with a future – and I think I chose the right one.”

We would like to wish Romeu all the best and every success for the future.

[All quotes via BBC Sport]