Southampton: Journalist says Salisu will stay despite transfer rumours

Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu will be staying at the club despite transfer rumours linking him with a move away.

This is according to the Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, who has confirmed on Twitter that the Ghanaian is part of long-term plans for Saints once he returns from his latest injury issue.

A recent report from ghanasoccernet.com had mentioned that a return to La Liga side Real Valladolid was on the cards, but it appears that this is highly unlikely.

Saints signed Salisu for a fee of around £11m back in the summer transfer window but he is yet to make his first appearance despite making the substitutes bench on six occasions.

This weekend’s would have been an ideal opportunity for the 21-year-old to make his debut in the FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury Town, but his injury and the postponement of the match now see him waiting a little longer.

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Frustrating injury problems and adjustments to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s system have got in Salisu’s way so far but his key attributes are clear to see from his time with Real Valladolid.

In the 2019/20 season, he averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and five clearances per game and put in some dominant showings. His reading of opposition attacks allows him to make crucial tackles and interceptions, whilst he also proved strong in the air by winning an average of 2.5 aerial duels per match (stats via whoscored.com).

Another big component he will provide the Saints team with is his natural ability to play as a left-sided centre-back due to being left-footed.

Under Hasenhuttl, Saints utilise the switch of play from the left side of defence out to Kyle Walker-Peters on the right to good effect in a bid to stretch play. Jannik Vestergaard has been seen using his passing ability in this way since the early part of this season.

Salisu and Vestergaard will provide the two options to compete for the left-side role whilst Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek look to take their more natural right-sided position.