Southampton make Bayern keeper Peretz move permanent

Southampton have signed Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz on a permanent four-year contract for a fee reported to be around £6.05m (7m euros).

The 25-year-old moved to the south coast on loan in January and played every minute of Saints' 21-match unbeaten run at the end of the season, which saw them reach the Championship play-offs, before being removed from the competition following the Spygate scandal.

In that time, Peretz kept eight clean sheets and produced memorable performances against Premier League sides Fulham, Arsenal, and Manchester City as Tonda Eckert's men reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

Peretz said: "I'm super excited. For the last few months this was my home, and we had so many good times and also some tense times, but even in the last few weeks with how we stayed together, you could really feel this home environment.

"That was, for me, the dealbreaker. Yes, it is my dream to play in the Premier League and on the highest stages in the world, but a bigger dream for me is to be there with Southampton. I really believe that we can be there and achieve that."

Saints group technical director Johannes Spors welcomed the move: "We knew about Daniel's qualities when we signed him on loan in January, and his impact on the team was clear for everybody to see. He has a confidence in his own ability that transmits to the players in front of him.

"I had several conversations with Daniel after our season came to an end. It was clear throughout these discussions that he remained committed to us, even with other options on the table.

"We are delighted to welcome him back to Southampton on a long-term contract and determined to build on the successes we experienced together last season."

Peretz began his career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he played more than 100 times.

The Israeli made seven appearances for Bayern as understudy to club legend and captain Manuel Neuer.