Southampton owner Solak's verdict on first signing of summer

Six-foot-five-inch defender Quarshie is currently Southampton's only addition to Will Still's squad following his move from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The 20 year old has played 28 times in the 2. Bundesliga and is best known for his pace after hitting the highest top speed in the division last season.

While on loan at Greuther Fürth, Quarshie ran 37.04 km/h in the 94th minute of a 1-0 defeat to Hertha Berlin.

Solak confessed that technical director Johannes Spors wanted the both-footed centre-back "no matter what" and was happy to put his faith in the recruitment chief. 

Joshua Quarshie has signed a four-year deal at Saints. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson) READ: 'Job at hand' - Harwood-Bellis hints at future in firm promotion admission

"What I've heard is that he is super smart, which for me is very important," Solak told the Daily Echo at his residence in Slovenia.

"Johannes told me that if this kid wouldn't play football, he can finish any university in the world and he could do whatever he wants. 

"Johannes thinks of him as a super, super smart fellow. He is slightly better with the left foot than with the right, but it's almost invisible. He's really good with both.

"His physical ability is unbelievable, you know. If we would put him now in the Premier League he would be the fifth fastest player in the Premier League right now.

"So it's really something special. But of course, football is a game with the ball, so we have to see him playing.

"But Johannes was really full of respect for him, and he wanted him no matter what, so we said sure."

Saints are working on deals to sign a striker and a creative midfielder ahead of the new Championship campaign, but must also trim their squad.

Unsuccessful signings Paul Onuachu and Kamaldeen Sulemana could be the first two out of the door, with Trabzonspor and Atalanta chasing them respectively.