Ryan Fraser officially joins Southampton on a season-long loan

Newcastle United and Southampton have this evening confirmed that Ryan Fraser will spend the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign on loan to The Championship club.

Earlier in the day, Eddie Howe had said in his pre-Liverpool press conference that the Scottish winger was close to moving to St. Mary's on a temporary deal.

There is no mention of a purchase option or obligation in the release from either club, which would be standard practice if one existed, so the move does appear to be a straight loan.

There is also no mention of what percentage of Fraser's wages the South Coast club is covering, though it would be unusual for either Newcastle or Southampton to disclose that on their respective websites.

Speaking to Southampton's official site after the confirmation of the move, their Director of Football Jason Wilcox said:

"We’re really delighted to bring Ryan in. He’s a proven Premier League player and we are really excited he has decided to join us.

He has great pace, but also plays with intelligence so he will fit into our system very well. He also knows what it takes to win promotion from the Championship and is a great addition to our squad."

While Fraser himself commented:

"It feels really good. The minute Russ phoned me, it was something I really wanted to happen. I just can’t wait to get started now and help the team out in any way I can.

The club doesn’t deserve to be down here. We need to get back up as soon as possible this season, and all the lads will be doing everything we can to get us there. I’m just so happy to be here."

We wish Ryan all the best at St. Mary's, even if just to increase his chances of leaving on a permanent transfer next summer!