Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

Southampton sign defender Ryan Manning for free in first signing of Russell Martin's tenure... as Irishman follows former Swansea boss to south coast

Southampton have signed Ryan Manning on a free transfer as the full-back follows his former Swansea manager Russell Martin to St Mary's.

The 27-year-old has penned a four-year deal and becomes Martin's first signing for Saints after his contract in Wales expired.

Manning spent three years at Swansea playing a passing style of football, the final two under Martin.

He has six caps for the Republic of Ireland, though the most recent of those came in March 2022.

He said: 'I'm absolutely delighted to be here. It's a massive club, been in the Premier League for so many years, and I'm just excited about the challenge of getting it back there.