Southampton legend Oriol Romeu has signed for Japanese outfit Avispa Fukuoka, after his contract wasn't renewed at St Mary's. The 34-year-old midfielder made an emotional return to Southampton midway through last season, providing experience and depth under Tonda Eckert. Romeu made six Championship appearances last year, with five of those coming in the first six games he was available for. However, the strength in depth in midfield areas made it difficult for him to break into the team. The Spaniard's contract wasn't renewed at the end of the season, and he has now found a new club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. Romeu posted on Instagram to announce the move, writing, "Really excited to start this new chapter with Avispa Fukuoka. Let's have fun together!" The reaction from Saints players to Romeu finding a new club shows how well thought of he is, not only in the stands at St Mary's but also in the dressing room. The midfielder rarely saw the pitch last season, and Southampton were happy to let him leave to get as much out of the final few years of his playing career as possible. With the new season approaching, Southampton are still in a period of uncertainty, currently preparing for their next fixture against Bolton at home on 2026-10-17, after finishing 4th in the Championship with 80 points, 15 points behind leaders Coventry, and having recently beaten Middlesbrough 2-1 on 2026-05-12.