Reports from Colombia have indicated that Southampton have submitted a club-record bid worth €25 million for Club America midfielder Mateus Uribe.
The Saints are yet to make a signing in the current summer transfer window but it seems they are stepping up their efforts, with recent reports stating that they are chasing Uribe’s signature.
An established international for Colombia, the 27-year-old plies his trade in the Mexican top-flight, Liga MX, with Club America and is a key player for his side.
Few will know a great deal about Uribe, so take a look at our brief overview of who Uribe is, amid claims that Southampton are out to recruit the player this summer!
International exploits
Uribe made his debut for the Colombian national team at the start of 2017 as he played the full 90 minutes against Brazil.
He has since gone on to make a further seven appearances for his country and after impressing in a Club America shirt over the course of the recent few months, has cemented his place in José Pékerman’s squad.
Uribe will be going to the World Cup with his country this summer. The enigmatic midfielder has been included in the 23-man squad that will travel to Russia to compete in world football’s most illustrious competition.
Position
Uribe has been used in a number of different roles during his time in Mexico with Club America.
By trade, he is a central midfield player who is capable of performing at both ends of the pitch. However, the Club America number 8 has also been utilised as a right-sided midfielder at both club level and on the international stage with Colombia.
Eye for goal
Uribe is not necessarily known for his goalscoring exploits but he has recently enjoyed plenty of success in forward positions for Club America.
The 27-year-old found the net on 11 occasions last season, scoring some impressive strikes from distance and showing plenty of attacking guile. He appears to have established himself as something of a talisman for his side.
Ill-discipline
Uribe, on the face of things, clearly enjoyed a good season in Mexico last term.
However, one dampener on the campaign will have been his discipline, or rather, lack of it. Uribe picked up 12 yellow cards for Club America last term and was also sent off on three occasions.
Physical presence
Standing at six foot tall, Uribe is known in Mexico to be a powerful player with a strong engine.
Uribe is claimed to be a vital player for Club America and since his move to the club last year, he is noted to have added energy and intensity to the midfield options at Miguel Herrera’s disposal.
Previous clubs
Uribe has never played for a European team during his career as a professional player, remaining in his native South America.
He came through the ranks at Argentine club Deportivo Espanol before returning to his homeland of Colombia as he secured a switch to Envegado FC in 2012. He then spent four years at the club.
The Medellin-born midfielder spent the final season of his stay at Envegado away on loan at Deportes Tolima, before he then joined another Colombian outfit in Atlético Nacional.
After earning rave reviews in his homeland, a move to Club America beckoned and the switch to Mexican football has only benefitted with Uribe.
Champions League admirers?
Uribe’s evidently impressive showings in Liga MX have not gone unnoticed, either.
According to various reports, as covered by Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo, reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid scouted Uribe towards the end of last season.
Real are understood to have been impressed by the player, who caught the eye of many during his time in Mexico.
Perhaps Southampton will face some top-class opposition for the signature of Uribe if they are indeed keen to recruit the player…
