---
title: "Southampton interested in Croatian defender Karlo Bartolec"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2018/07/06/southampton-interested-in-croatian-defender-karlo-bartolec/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "News"
published: "2018-07-06T12:54:04Z"
modified: "2018-07-06T12:54:04Z"
---

# Southampton interested in Croatian defender Karlo Bartolec

Southampton hold an interest in signing Karlo Bartolec from FC Nordsjælland this summer, according to Danish reports.

The Croatian defender operates primarily as a right-back, meaning that he may be lined up as a backup option for Cedric Soares ahead of next season, with Saints on the lookout for defensive depth this summer.

Bartolec enjoyed a strong season with Nordsjælland, helping them to qualify for the early stages of the Europa League, but he may yet secure a move away from Denmark ahead of next season.

The 23-year-old was understood to have been a target for Dinamo Zagreb during the January transfer window, but the club were reluctant to spend €2.5 million on the player.

[Bartolec, in June, discussed the interest](https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/fcn-profil-afsloerer-southampton-viser-serioes-interesse) from Zagreb and Southampton.

> There were some queries in the winter break, but my club demanded 2.5 million (euros). And that was too much for Dinamo. At the same time, there was a bid from Nantes, but we agreed to wait until after the season. I’m glad I stayed. We qualified for Europe and Southampton shows serious interest.

Saints’ interest in signing Bartolec is again [reaffirmed by Tipsbladet today](https://www.tipsbladet.dk/nyhed/superliga/bartolec-meldte-om-southampton-interesse-han-kan-sige-hvad-han-vil), as they indicate that whilst Nordsjælland are keen to keep hold of their prized assets, the promising defender could be on his way out of the club.