Southampton are reportedly showing interest in Sparta midfielder Abdou Harroui ahead of a possible summer move.
According to Dutch outlet Dagblad010, Southampton have been scouting Harroui as they weigh up an offer for the midfielder.
The report claims that Southampton were present to watch him in his last match for Sparta, whilst unnamed Dutch clubs are also keen on signing him.
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Harroui has impressed in the Netherlands for Sparta this season and has recorded a WhoScored rating of 7.28 for his performances in the Eredivisie.
He’s racked up three goals and seven assists as a central midfielder, although he has also played twice as a winger – showing off his versatility.
It is not only his attacking output that stands out, though, as he has averaged an incredible 2.9 tackles per game.
This is along with 1.5 aerial battles won and 1.1 key passes played per game. From these stats, you could say that he is a well-rounded midfielder, due to him impressing both defensively and offensively.
At the age of 22, he is showing plenty of promise and could prove to be a good investment from the Saints.
Southampton could sign him and look to develop him over a number of years, rather than expecting him to come in and have an instant impact on the team. He may also learn from the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, whilst also providing extra competition for places in the middle of the park.
The Dutchman could also offer more creativity than Southampton currently have available in their squad.
So far this season, Jack Stephens is the club’s top assister with three to his name, which suggests that Southampton lack players who can tee up their teammates for goals.
With Harroui already on seven assists this season, he could add a creative flair to Southampton’s options in midfield. Of players currently playing in Holland, only Hakim Ziyech and Dusan Tadic have more assists than Harroui – with Ziyech on his way to Chelsea in the summer and Tadic – of course – being an ex-Southampton player.
