By Gareth James

Former Swansea City head coach Russell Martin has backed Nathan Wood to thrive in the Premier League after signing him for Southampton for a cut-price £3m.

The England Under-21 international has signed a four-year deal at St Mary’s and is reunited with Martin, who he played under at the Swans.

Last August, Southampton had two bids for Wood turned down.

https://twitter.com/SwansOfficial/status/1809286119235707151

At that time, the south coast club were willing to pay around £7 million, potentially increasing to £10 million, for the tall central defender.

Although the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, it is understood Southampton ultimately secured Wood for just £3 million, with add-ons potentially raising the total to £4.5 million.

Due to a sell-on clause in the deal that brought Wood to Wales for around £400,000 in 2022, Swansea will need to share a portion of the profit with Middlesbrough.

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Wood’s signing proved successful for Swansea. Despite some injuries, he made 72 appearances over two seasons, becoming one of the most promising young defenders in the Championship.

However, with his contract set to expire next summer and his desire to move on, Swansea had little choice but to sell him at what seems to be a low price considering his potential.

Southampton have confirmed the signing of defender Nathan Wood from Swansea City ✅#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/dRmxOf1yD4

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 5, 2024

Wood, 22, said: “It’s obviously a massive club, a Premier League club that was in the Championship last season, and to get straight back into the Prem is a big thing. I’m very happy to be here.

“It’s always been an attractive club. Obviously the style of football is a big thing, the coaching is a big thing, and it’s a step up in leagues for me as well.

“It’s a no-brainer really when you put all those things together. It’s quite an easy decision to make.”

Martin added: “Nathan is a player I know and trust from our time together at Swansea, and someone I also tried to sign in my first job at MK Dons.

“He’s a top defender with tremendous physical qualities, great pace and calmness on the ball.

“What’s equally important to us is that he’s a great character.

“He will settle in seamlessly with the brilliant group we already have here. He’s hungry to prove himself in the Premier League, and we want to help him achieve that.”

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