Southampton has replaced Ronald Koeman with Claude Puel as manager on a three-year deal.
Six seasons with Lille followed after he had led Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2000, while Puel also enjoyed a spell at Lyon in 2008 before four years in charge of Nice.
“Claude clearly came out on top of a very impressive shortlist,” said Southampton’s executive director of football, Les Reed. “We have not only got the best man but the right coaching team to support him.
“In order to ensure we appointed a manager who would meet our needs as a club, feedback from the dressing room, as well as taking account of our culture, vision and values was critical in drawing up our criteria for the appointment.”