SAINTS have formally completed the signing of Brazilian defender Welington, who had previously signed a pre-contract agreement with the club in the summer.

The 23 year old left-back agreed personal terms with Saints in July before remaining at São Paulo until the expiry of his contract at the end of the Brazilian season.

Welington made 48 appearances in all competitions during the campaign, as São Paulo finished sixth, taking his career total to 164 games for the club.

A Brazil under-23 international, he won the Copa do Brasil in 2023 and the Supercopa do Brasil in 2024 during his time with São Paulo, where he made his debut aged 19.

Welington will now join up with the Saints first-team squad and wear the number 34 shirt at St Mary’s.

He faces stiff competition for minutes at Southampton, who are already well-stocked in his position.

He has not played since São Paulo's 3-0 win over Vasco da Gama on Thursday, October 17 and is expected to first play with the under-21s to build up his fitness.

Welington was in attendance for Southampton's 1-0 defeat to West Ham on Boxing Day. The club plan for him to remain with the first-team squad.