Southampton sign Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel after Dusan Tadic’s departure for Ajax

Southampton have completed the signing of young, versatile FC Basel forward Mohamed Elyounoussi.

Announced on the Saints official site, Moroccan-born Norwegian international Elyounoussi signed a five-year contract with the club.

Sky Sports report Southampton paid a fee worth around £16m.

Elyounoussi first started drawing glances from abroad while playing for Molde in Norway, scoring 41 goals in 91 appearances.

He then moved to Basel in Switzerland, scoring 23 times and assisting 30 goals in 83 appearances over two seasons - helping the club to a domestic league and cup double in 2016/17.

For Basel, Elyounoussi has played in both the Champions League and Europa League and has four goals from 16 games for Norway.

On his move to Saints, Elyounoussi said: “I’m really happy to be here and I am really excited to get started.

“The club has been following me for a long time, watching many games, so I feel really confident to come here and to get even better and develop myself.

“It’s a family club that is known for bringing in players, developing them and for younger players to get better.

“I’m a hard worker on the pitch and I like to create chances, either for me or to play others through. That’s where I’m at my best, when I can use my creativity, so I think the philosophy of the club will suit me very well.”

Elyounoussi was thought to be among Southampton manager Mark Hughes’ main transfer targets for the summer and is clearly happy with the signing.

“He has got an outstanding record of goals and assists in two different countries, and we have been extremely impressed by the intelligence he has shown in his play from a tactical point of view.

“He’s still at a young age as well, so we’re confident he can continue to improve and fulfil even more of his potential with us, and, following on from the arrival of Stuart Armstrong this week, we feel we have made real progress in adding a new dimension to our attack ahead of the season.”

This news comes as winger Dusan Tadic leaves the South Coast for Dutch giants Ajax.

Southampton also signed Celtic winger Stuart Armstrong this week as the club looks to bolster its attacking options.