SAINTS boss Russell Martin described summer signing Kuryu Matsuki as a "really talented player" adding "he needs to adapt" to European football.

The Japanese youth international joined Southampton from J. League side FC Tokyo last month before being loaned straight out to Goztepe.

The 21 year old is highly rated in his home country and has signed a four-year deal at Southampton, giving him plenty of time to make an impact at St Mary's. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin revealed his eagerness to see Matsuki adapt to European football in Turkey before making a judgment on his role at Saints next season.

He said: “We will see how he does at Goztepe. We spoke to him a good few weeks ago when we got sent the clips. 

“The ownership group are really keen on having some players they can develop within the group with the aim of coming back to Southampton and playing for us.

“He’s a really talented player, but he needs to go over there and adapt to a different culture and a different environment.

“Stanimir (Stoilov, Goztepe manager) is a really great guy. So is Ivan (Mance, Goztepe sporting director). We all work closely together.

“I really like him and he’s got a good record of developing young players. They got promoted last year and I think it’s a good environment for him to go into.

“I think it will benefit him hugely and then we will have to wait and see how he does.”

Matsuki helped Japan's under-23s to win the Asian Cup earlier this year, appearing in all six matches of the tournament.

He previously trained with French giants Lyon in 2021 but opted to remain at FC Tokyo, where he went on to make 79 appearances.

Goztepe benefitted from signing Southampton's Mat Lis on loan last season. The Polish keeper was a force between the sticks, only conceding 18 times in 31 league games.