SAINTS midfielder Charly Alcaraz has joined Juventus on loan for the rest of the season in an overall package that could be worth £46million.
The deal includes an upfront £3million loan fee paid to Saints for the 21 year old's services for the rest of the season.
Juventus have an option to buy at the end of the campaign and would have to pay £43million to activate it.
Alcaraz underwent his medical on Wednesday ahead of the winter transfer deadline on Thursday.
Saints director of football Jason Wilcox explained: “Allowing Charly to leave on loan was a decision that we have been deliberating on for some time.
"Russell (Martin), Phil (Parsons) and our ownership group are all in agreement that this is the right move for Charly at this time.
“Considering the midfield options we have available to us right now, and Charly’s lack of game time, we wanted to allow him this chance to gain some valuable experience in one of the top leagues in Europe.
“Juventus are a huge club and we are convinced that this move will allow Charly the opportunity to flourish and then come back and be a success at Southampton.”
Alcaraz has made 47 appearances for Saints, scoring eight goals and registering a further five assists.
However, the Argentine youth international - who was invited to senior training with the likes of Lionel Messi - has fallen down the order.
He has made only one start in the last eight Championship fixtures with Scotland international Stuart Armstrong picked ahead of him.
Juventus sit second in Seria A, one point behind Inter Milan, but do not compete in any UEFA competitions this season.
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