In an interesting update, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Southampton is close to appointing Johannes Spors as the new director.
Southampton Chairman Henrik Kraft resigned very recently. Though club owner Mr. Dragan Solak has temporarily assumed the role responsibilities, a new appointment is likely to take place soon.
Positively, the club management seems to have found Kraft's successor to the role, in Johannes Spors.
Fabrizio Romano says Southampton close to hiring new football director
In his Twitter post, Fabrizio Romano confirmed the same, hinting at an official announcement soon.
In his own words, Romano said: "Southampton are on the verge of appointing Johannes Spors as new Director of Football after January. Role to include overseeing all of Sport Republic's clubs including Goztepe and Ligue 2 club Valenciennes. After his important job for 777 Group, set for UK move."
🚨🔴⚪️ Southampton are on the verge of appointing Johannes Spors as new Director of Football after January.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 17, 2025
Role to include overseeing all of Sport Republic’s clubs including Goztepe and Ligue 2 club Valenciennes.
After his important job for 777 Group, set for UK move. pic.twitter.com/wupvQ763pi
Obviously, the main focus remains on the Saints, the heart and soul of the trio of clubs that Sport Republic is comprised of.
While Spors' Southampton project would be his first in England, the board's trust in him could be one of their best decisions in a while.
During his days as director of 777 Group, Spors completed several record transfers for Genoa. The German signed top talents like Mateo Retegui, Albert Gudmundsson and Radu Dragusin decorating his profile as a specialist in the transfer window.
Furthermore, Genoa made a huge fortune later by selling them. This season, one of the major holdbacks Southampton has faced is the problem of plenty.
In this scenario, Spors' appointment could be a masterstroke, helping them replicate a successful 2023/24 transfer window.
On top of that, Spors focuses on developing talented young players which resonates with the club's vision. A few days ago, Genoa were even interested in signing Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Thus, Spors seems the perfect man to manage a sustainable sporting project at Southampton. Now, let's hope the club backs him with enough transfer funds in the coming years.