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Adam Lallana Rejoins Southampton After Exit From Brighton
English professional footballer, Adam Lallana, has returned to his youth team, Southampton.
Sportxparte reports that the former England forward has signed a one-year deal with Saints following his contract with Brighton which came to an end this month.
Lallana became a free agent after parting ways with his rivals Brighton. This means Lallana, at the age of 36, will stay in the English Premier League for at least another 12 months, following Southampton’s victory in the Championship play-off final against Leeds.
Lallana first joined Saints in 2000 as a young player and went on to score 60 goals in 265 matches.
The star is eager to don the red-and-white jersey once more, showcasing his skill and making him a perfect match for Russell Martin’s team style.
And Lallana, who also played for Bournemouth and Liverpool, believes he has work to do at St Mary’s following his departure from Anfield in 2014.
Admitting that he was not a newbie at the club during his Brighton years for family reasons, Lallana said: “I’ve been no stranger – my son’s at the Academy, so I’m in and around it quite a bit, but I’ve not been this close to being home, so it’s amazing.
“It does feel surreal, but it’s an opportunity I’m extremely grateful for and I’m looking forward to.
“When I started speaking to Russell and understood there was a little bit of interest, it was something I knew straightaway felt right in my head and in my heart that it was something I needed to pursue, and it came through in the end.
“I’m extremely happy to come back to where it all started. Although it sounds like a bit of a fairy tale, in my head, there’s still a job to do and I’m really confident I’ve still got a lot to give to this football club.”
In his remark, New boss Martin added: “I’m delighted that we could bring Adam back home to where it all began for him.
“Adam has the DNA of this club running through him and brings vital experience as we prepare for the Premier League.
“We’re going to need everyone to play a part again this coming season and Adam helps us create real depth and know-how in midfield.”
After eight years with Southampton, Lallana made a £25 million switch to Liverpool in 2014.
During his time with the Reds, he netted 22 goals in 178 matches, clinching the Premier League, Champions League, and Club World Cup titles.
However, injuries restricted him to only 40 appearances in the league during his final three seasons at Anfield.
In 2020, Lallana joined Brighton on a free transfer.
He contributed four goals in 104 matches for the Seagulls, aiding them in securing a spot in the Europa League last year.
Yet, Lallana’s contract was not extended, paving the way for an impressive comeback to Southampton.
