Southampton confirmed the arrival of Lazio defender Wesley Hoedt today, in a deal claimed to be worth around £15m.
Twitter: Introducing #SaintsFC’s new number
: @wesleyhoedt!
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Hoedt, who signs a five-year contract with the club, is lined up as a partner for Virgil van Dijk and not a replacement.
The Dutchman, though playing at a top European club such as Lazio, may not be known so well by Saints fans, so I’ve spoken to Lazio fan Alasdair Mackenzie (@aksmackenzie & @Lazio_Lounge).
What is your initial reaction to the move?
I’ll be sorry to see him go as he improved a lot last season, but it’s a very generous price if the reported €17m is correct.
Do you think €17m is good value for money, for Saints?
Difficult to say. €17m is more than Lazio could have hoped to get, but for a Premier League club it’s hardly a huge fee. He still has potential to improve so you’re getting him young, but I’m not convinced he will adapt immediately to the English game.
How has he performed during his two years at Lazio?
First year he really struggled, had some pretty torrid games and made lots of mistakes. Was much better last season but fell out of the team when Inzaghi switched to a back three due to his lack of mobility above all.
Do you think he can walk straight into Southampton’s starting XI?
I would expect him to need some time to adapt before being a regular. He took a season to adjust to Serie A and the pace of the Premier League will be a step up for him, although playing in a back four is his best role.
What are his standout strengths?
He’s strong, big, good in the air and with his feet. Comfortable on the ball although still capable of costly errors.
In all, do you believe Southampton have made a good signing?
Saints have signed a good player, but he’s still Lazio’s fourth choice centre back so I wouldn’t expect instant fireworks. He’s a player with lots of potential so given Pellegrino’s defensive work in his last job, he could be the right man to get the best from Hoedt.
I would like to say thank you to Alasdair for taking the time to answer my questions and hope that this will give Saints fans some extra knowledge on our new signing!
