Adam Lallana returns to Southampton on one-year deal
Adam Lallana Credit: Eoin Smith (ETPhotos)
Southampton have confirmed the signing of Adam Lallana on a one-year contract.
The midfielder returns to St Mary’s a decade after his last appearance for the club, where he made 265 appearances and scored 60 goals.
Lallana first joined Southampton's academy at the age of 12, spending 14 years with the club.
During his initial stint, he helped the team achieve back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League and won the 2010 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, scoring in the final at Wembley.
The 36-year-old, who was also named Southampton captain and earned his first England senior call-up in 2013, left for Liverpool in 2014.
Reflecting on his return, Lallana said, “Although it sounds like a bit of a fairy tale, in my head there’s still a job to do and I’m really confident I’ve still got a lot to give to this football club.”
At Liverpool, Lallana won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in 2019, and the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season.
He returns to Southampton after a four-season stint with Brighton, bringing extensive experience with 291 Premier League appearances and 34 caps for England.
Lallana shared his excitement about coming back to Staplewood: “I’ve been no stranger – my son’s at the Academy, so I’m in and around it quite a bit, but I’ve not been this close to being home, so it’s amazing. It does feel surreal, but it’s an opportunity I’m extremely grateful for and I’m looking forward to."
“When I started speaking to Russell and understood there was a little bit of interest, it was something I knew straightaway felt right in my head and in my heart that it was something I needed to pursue, and it came through in the end. I’m extremely happy to come back to where it all started.”
Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed his delight at Lallana's return: “I’m delighted that we could bring Adam back home to where it all began for him. Adam has the DNA of this club running through him and brings vital experience as we prepare for the Premier League."
“We’re going to need everyone to play a part again this coming season and Adam helps us create real depth and know-how in midfield.”
