Bertrand completes permanent move to St. Mary's

Southampton has completed the signing of Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

The 25-year old had been at St. Mary's on a season long loan since the start of the season, but a deal was struck between the two clubs to make his move a permanent one.

Bertrand had been at Chelsea since 2005 and made his debut in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012, which Chelsea won on penalties. But since the arrival of José Mourinho, his playing time dwindled and he spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.

He has been a regular in Southampton's defense making 27 appearances across all competitions, which has only conceded 17 goals, making it the meanest defense in Premier League. He also chipped in with two goals.

However, Bertrand will be suspended for Saints' next three matches after he was sent-off against Swansea City in Sunday's 1-0 loss.