Bednarek ends eight-year Saints stay to join Porto

Bednarek was part of the Southampton side relegated to the Championship just a year after promotion

Defender Jan Bednarek has left Southampton after eight years at St Mary's to sign for Porto on a permanent deal.

The Poland international, who joined Saints from Lech Poznan in 2017, made 254 appearances for the club in all competitions and scored 11 goals.

Bednarek was a key figure in the Southampton side that won the Championship play-offs in 2024 before being relegated a year later.

The 29-year-old, who has won 69 caps for his country, featured in the 2018 World Cup, as well as two European Championships as a Saints player.

He also played in the 2022 World Cup during a five-month loan spell at Aston Villa, for whom he made three Premier League appearances.

Southampton said in a statement: "Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to thank Jan for his years of dedication both on and off the pitch and wish him every success in the future."