Newcastle United issue 49-word statement confirming permanent winger deal

Fraser spent last season on loan at the Saints after the fell out with head coach Eddie Howe midway through the 2022-23 campaign.

The former Scotland international made no secret of his desire to return to St Mary’s, however, his Newcastle salary on a contract with 12 months left to run was a stumbling block.

But on deadline day, both Fraser and the Magpies have come to an agreement, allowing him to re-join Russell Martin’s side.

“Newcastle United can confirm that winger Ryan Fraser has departed the club and joined Southampton on a permanent deal,” a United statement read.

“Fraser, who spent last season on loan at St Mary's, made 59 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies following his arrival from AFC Bournemouth in the summer of 2020.”

On returning to Southampton, Fraser said: "I'm probably the happiest man in Southampton at the minute. It's been a long summer from the play-off final to now, but my number one goal was to get back here and now that it's happened, it's one of my proudest moments to be honest. Probably second after winning the play-offs. So yeah, it's really nice to be here.

"I think the journey that the players and the fans went through last season, we came together and it's amazing to be back."