Southampton will be striving for promotion to the Premier League for the second time next season.

The Saints had advanced to the play-off final, but were disqualified after being found guilty of violating the EFL’s regulations regarding spying on opposing teams.

Tonda Eckert’s side had gone 19 games unbeaten to finish fourth in the Championship, defeating Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-finals.

However, the Hampshire club was unable to meet Hull City in the final and will now focus on another promotion push in the following season.

Southampton have already signed Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz, who will remain at St. Mary’s permanently, as well as George Long, a free agent.

Lewis Dobbin is the latest addition to Eckert’s squad, having signed for the club from Aston Villa for a reported £10 million.

How Tonda Eckert encouraged Lewis Dobbin to sign with Southampton

Dobbin claims that Eckert was instrumental in pushing him to join Southampton, considering the level of interest he had got from a number of clubs following his loan spell at Preston North End.

The 23-year-old stated that he knew he wanted to sign with the Saints as soon as he heard they were interested, and he is enthused about the project being developed at St. Mary’s.

“It’s an amazing feeling, I’m very grateful to be able to represent this club and to be given the opportunity to play for Southampton is something that I can’t ever take for granted,” Dobbin told the club’s official website.

“I am just grateful to be here, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“It’s been a busy few weeks, but Tonda was the first manager I spoke with, and the way he talked about the football club and the players sold it to me right immediately.

“My mind was already made up as soon as I knew Southampton were interested.”

Wolves were also interested in Dobbin, but he chose to join Southampton instead.

The forward has agreed to a four-year contract that will keep him at the Saints until June 2030.

How Southampton fans feel about Lewis Dobbin’s signing

Southampton fans believe Dobbin is an exciting addition to the team who might boost their prospects of promotion next season.

Southampton’s new Championship season will begin on August 16 with a trip to Watford.

The signing of Lewis Dobbin is a promising move for Southampton.

Dobbin thrived for Preston last season, and his performances demonstrated that he can help a squad with promotion aspirations.

The Saints’ increased firepower might make them a very formidable force in the Championship next year.

Furthermore, the fact that Eckert is driving this agreement could indicate that Southampton believes the coach will remain in charge in the long run, given that he is currently being investigated by the Football Association for his role in the espionage controversy.

Receiving a punishment following these signings would be a major blow for the 33-year-old, putting the club in a tight situation.