Signing Joakim Maehle could soften the blow of Cedric Soares’ departure
Southampton are keen on completing the transfer of young Danish right-back Joakim Maehle from Belgian side KRC Genk, according to reports from Daily Mail.
Southampton are having a pretty miserable season so far and the fans will all be hoping that the Austrian manager who recently took charge – Ralph Hasenhuttl, will be able to make a strong impression by helping the Saints maintain their Premier League status.
They currently find themselves at 16th place with just 19 points so far this term. They are just a single point away from the relegation zone, which means that even a single slip-up added to a win for 18th-placed Newcastle will spell trouble for the Saints.
They have been overly average all season with the standard of football not up to expectations of the travelling fans.
They are used to seeing a Saints side generally solid in defence and capable of causing an upset against any of the bigger teams. This season though, we have been presented with a heavily weakened squad.
Even with all the quality strikers available to them, they are unable to get into a run of good results and this inconsistency has been holding them back. This kind of tension in a squad can have serious consequences. The Daily Mail has reported that start right-back Cedric Soares could leave the club before this transfer window closes.
Cedric is arguably one of their most important players because he is crucial at both ends of the pitch. While keeping a player like that at a relegation-threatened club is difficult, they must not give up on their man and must look to keep him at the club for as long as possible.
If Cedric does leave for bigger challenges, the report suggests that Southampton are lining up a deal for KRC Genk right-back Joakim Maehle. He is a 21-year-old Danish defender who was identified by Hasenhuttl himself.
Originally a right-back, he is also capable of playing as the right-sided midfielder. He is an excellent attacking threat because of his pace and crossing skills. He can also defend very well and is pacy enough to cover his ground in counter-attacking situations.
He has featured 21 times for Genk in the league this season and started all of their Europa League games as well. He has already notched up 7 assists in all competitions for the Belgian outfit.
He has the potential to be a superstar wing-back if given the right kind of training, and Southampton is the perfect club for him to develop into a top player.