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Given Ralph Hasenhuttl’s excellent track record with developing youth players – he has got the very best out of the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Jan Bednarek at St Mary’s Stadium – it is no wonder that Southampton were linked with a move for an impressive youngster in January.
Joakim Maehle, who the Saints were reportedly keen on two months ago, has spoken about the ‘concrete’ interest and it seems he’s hopeful the switch could still happen – he shouldn’t get too excited, though.
What did he say?
Despite his being only 21-years-old, Danish publication BT rate the Genk man as one of the best defenders in the Juniper Pro League and they have amassed comments he has made regarding his future:
“I don’t know if you can say I was clear or unclear [on moving to Southampton]. But it is certain that there was a lot of interest from Southampton. Hopefully there will be a chance, and then we will see what happens. “
Stay where you are, Joakim
Indeed, Southampton seemed in need of some reinforcement at right-back with Cedric Soares joining Inter Milan on loan with just five days of the January transfer window left but, now, they look to be okay.
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Yan Valery has been immense and has made the Saints faithful forget all about the Portuguese’s departure, so it would be pointless to rush to spend eight figures on another young full-back.
The Frenchman was recently awarded with a new deal which will keep him on the south coast until 2023 and he looks set to hold down the right of the Southampton defence for the foreseeable future.
If Maehle was getting his hopes up about Hasenhuttl and co reigniting their interest in the summer, then he may be in for a shock come the end of the season.
