Jack Stephens has completed his move to Bournemouth on a season-long loan to become the club's sixth signing of the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old was given permission to talk to the newly-promoted side by parent club Southampton and has joined the south coast side on a deal until the end of the season.
Stephens makes his move to a Bournemouth side in need of defensive solidity with the Cherries conceding 16 goals so far this season, and suffering the leagues heaviest defeat following a 9-0 thrashing by Liverpool.
Stephens has been a Southampton stalwart since joining Ralph Hassenhutl's side in 2011 from Plymouth Argyle and leaves in search of regular top-flight game time after making just two Premier League appearances this season.
His arrival at the Vitality Stadium comes amidst worrying times of uncertainty with the club on the hunt for another manager following their surprise sacking of Scott Parker.
Parker did a terrific job to earn Bournemouth automatic promotion from the Championship last season but was given just four league games to make his case for taking the team forward into the new season.
The former Bournemouth boss enjoyed a season-opening win over Aston Villa before losing to Man City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Though their Merseyside humiliation may have been the catalyst for Parker's dismissal, the boss had long fallen out of favour with Bournemouth chiefs.
His public slamming of the club's recruitment policies and frustration at not having been provided with more reinforcements upon Bournemouth's return to the Premier League had seen him sever ties with decision-makers at the club.
Stephens has racked up more than 100 top-flight appearances and will provide the much-needed experience that Bournemouth so desperately need as they attempt to stay in the division.
Neill Blake, AFC Bournemouth Chief Executive highlighted the importance of Stephens joining the club following the completion of his loan move.
He told the club website: 'We're very pleased to bring Jack to the club and he strengthens our defensive options.
'He brings with him significant Premier League experience and I'm sure will prove a very valuable addition both on and off the pitch.'