Caspar Jander has been superb for Southampton since arriving from FC Nürnberg in the summer, and he has flourished at St Mary's despite a challenging start for his new team.
His performances on the pitch have been of the highest standard, and his value has reportedly doubled.
It is not on the pitch where Jander is struggling
However, according to reports, it is off the pitch that Jander has been struggling.
According to Sky, German clubs RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart are interested, as are Dutch giants Ajax, but BILD say the midfielder is ‘unhappy in his personal life’, making a return to his homeland, to his family and girlfriend, sound more likely at this stage.
Jander's girlfriend, boxer Carlotta Schünemann, lives at home in Germany, which BILD has reported is making him particularly homesick.
FC Nürnberg hold a 10 per cent sell-on clause in any Southampton sale, and BILD say it's ‘very likely’ that a move takes place this summer. Despite Jander’s contract running until 2028, other clubs already have their sights set on him, reports BILD.
Is Jander really unhappy?
In Thursday's press conference ahead of Southampton's trip to Fulham on Sunday, Tonda Eckert revealed that he was very surprised after reading yesterday's reports.
“I had somebody send me the article when it came out, and I was very surprised. I can say 200 per cent that it doesn't come from Caspar.
“We are very happy with him, and he is very happy to be here. I think that his development over the season has been top.
“It's not so easy to play those amount of minutes, especially in the first year when you come into the championship, and you're not used to it.
“Some moments is normal, but that's not just for Caspar. It's for myself as well. If you're away from your family, there might be some moments.
“Especially over Christmas. Obviously you would appreciate spending Christmas Eve with your family. I think that's very normal.
“But I can say that Caspar is fully committed to Southampton, fully committed to the group, to the season and everything that comes up.“
Southampton could cash in on Caspar
Jander's heart may well be back in his home country, and a return to Germany should not be ruled out. RB Leipzig, VfB Stuttgart and Ajax are reportedly among his suitors, and hailing from Münster, the 22-year-old might prefer any of these above playing for Southampton.
Joining RB Leipzig or Ajax could provide the chance for Jander to play in the Champions League next season, and there are no guarantees that Southampton could even offer him Premier League football.
With Flynn Downes and Shea Charles in fine form and Cameron Bragg waiting in the wings, the Saints are hardly short in the midfield area if they do sell the young German.
Cashing in on Jander could be a win-win-win for Southampton, Jander, and FC Nürnberg, who could end up receiving a whopping £2.1 million sell-on-fee for a player they bought for nothing in 2024.