Southampton sign Nathan Wood from Swansea City

Southampton have confirmed the signing of England Under-21 international Nathan Wood from Swansea City on a four-year contract.

The centre-back becomes the Saints’ fifth summer signing, following Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Charlie Taylor, and Ronnie Edwards.

Wood, 22, reunites with manager Russell Martin at St Mary’s, who originally signed him for Swansea from Middlesbrough in 2022.

“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,” said Wood.

“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.”

Russell Martin expressed his confidence in Wood’s abilities, saying, “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 who 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.”

Wood began his career at Middlesbrough, progressing through the youth ranks and making his professional debut at just 16 years old. After several loan spells, he joined Swansea City in 2022, where he made 72 appearances over two seasons.

In addition to his club career, Wood has represented England at various youth levels, including making his England Under-21 debut in March 2023 during a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.