He was unveiled at today's friendly against Greek giants Panathinaikos to the delight of the home crowd. The move ends weeks of speculation and frustration after Hearts exercised their option to convert his loan from Marseille into a permanent move.
Understandably, Hearts were reluctant to let him go, particularly to a side led by their former manager George Burley who parted on less than favourable terms. However, Saints' persistance finally paid off and brings Saints' summer spending well over the £7m mark, unusual for us even in the Premiership and a real statement of intent in the final season of Premiership parachute payments.
Skacel famously equalled the SPL record of scoring in consecutive games and had a spectacular start to the season under Burley. His form tailed off after his mentor left, with Skacel adding just two more goals post-Burley, but still leaving him with an impressive total of 17 in 37 games.
How Saints could do with that kind of strike ratio, with our lack of goals from midfield. Given the protracted nature of the negotiations, Skacel has had virtually no pre-season and will have an intensive week of training to try and get him ready to play at least some part in Saints' opener against Derby. It is important that we give him time to get fit and to settle in both at the club and in the League.
Burley was understandably delighted to be reunited with the Czech international left-sided midfielder describing him as 'worth the wait':
"To get promotion you need players who can score all over the pitch and I am confident he can get in double figures from midfield. There are not many midfield players who can achieve that and not many naturally left-footed players who can score goals. I can't think of many.
"We waited a long time for him because he has got all that and because I know him well. He is a big character who will be a crowd favourite. He is very infectious and enthusiastic and I am sure he will be a big hit with the fans of Southampton."
Burley also hinted that the rebuilding is not yet over: "This is another piece in the jigsaw. There are still some pieces to get but we are getting closer and closer to a squad capable of finishing in the top six."
High on the agenda is another central midfielder with Czech trialist Licka a likely signing, providing today's injury is not too bad. There are also question marks over left back and central defence, with the versatile Danny Higginbotham placed on the transfer list after indicating his desire to leave the club.
A very warm welcome to the Saints, Rudi.