Craig Meschede has completed a permanent move to Glamorgan after signing a three-year deal with the Welsh club.
The all-rounder spent last summer at the SSE Swalec on loan from Somerset, where he had come through the age groups.
The 24-year-old became a key part of Glamorgan’s side across the formats and the prospect of greater first-team opportunities has prompted him to make the move permanent.
“This has been a tough decision as Somerset CCC has been a massive part of my life,” Meschede told the official Glamorgan website.
“I’d like to thank Somerset for the last eight years; it has been an absolute honour and pleasure to represent the club. Playing for Glamorgan is the best opportunity for my cricket at this stage in my career.
“I really enjoyed my time at the club last year and everyone made me feel welcome, so I look forward to returning on a full-time basis.”
South Africa-born Meschede scored the first centuries of his career last summer, against Surrey and Northamptonshire, and Glamorgan chief executive Hugh Morris made his signing a key part of his winter plans.
“Craig played an important role in our team last season and although we were keen to keep him, any deal relied on Somerset’s sanction as he had a year to run on his contract,” Morris said.
“We’re delighted to have got the deal over the line and believe that we’ve signed a player who adds a lot to the side and also has the potential to develop further.”
Somerset director of cricket Matthew Maynard said: “At this stage of his career Craig feels that he needs to be playing first XI cricket every week and that is not something that could be guaranteed here.
“He clearly enjoyed his time at Glamorgan last year and feels that they can offer him more first XI opportunities, which is obviously appealing to a young cricketer.”
Source: ECB