Among all the speculation regarding Virgil van Dijk’s future, Southampton have been linked with moves for new defenders – but do they really need anyone?
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton will rival Leicester for Tunisian international defender Aymen Abdennour. The 27-year-old currently plies his trade with Valencia but has been linked with move to the Premier League before.
However rumours linking the Saints to defenders across Europe really serve little point, as at this point the club are NOT in need of fresh reinforcement at the back.
Whilst most people are of the opinion that Virgil van Dijk will leave this summer, the board have been more adamant than ever before, having previously sold on their top talents to big clubs. The Saints might only get another year out of the Dutchman, but only time will tell.
Following Martin Caceres’ departure Southampton made their highly-expected play in the transfer market by recruiting Jan Bednarek, the Polish Under-21 captain from Lech Poznan.
The move was shrewd at just £6 million in the modern market, and with Florin Gardos expected to leave it offers good cover behind Maya Yoshida, Jack Stephens and Virgil van Dijk.
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Therefore it’s safe to assume that the club are not showing any interest in recruiting Abdennour or indeed any other centre-backs of similar value, as the quartet currently on their books are more than good enough.
Both Stephens and Bednarek have plenty of room to grow going into the next couple of campaigns, whilst retaining van Dijk gives not only the defence, but the whole team a leader.
Meanwhile Maya Yoshida – who may be a touch unorthodox – is a team player who has given the club his all since joining Southampton five years ago. He’s played at right-back and had limited game-time whenever it’s been needed but last season showed his maturity when thrown in after VVD’s injury and Jose Fonte’s departure.
Assuming that the board stick to their guns and don’t sell Virgil to Liverpool, then Southampton should not make any moves for new defenders. The current crop should serve as more than enough for the upcoming campaign.