Southampton have been linked with two exciting wingers in recent weeks ahead of the January window.
The Saints, along with Premier League rivals West Ham United, are still thought to be keen on Sporting Lisbon winger Jovane Cabral. The 22-year-old’s current release clause stands at around £55m, with the Cape Verde international scoring two goals and providing one assist in six league games (Transfermarkt).
The Daily Mail have now claimed that Southampton, Celtic and Brentford are all showing an interest in LASK Linz winger Husein Balic. The report claims that the Austrian speedster could be available for as little as £2.8m in the January window.
The 24-year-old has been involved in seven goals in 14 club appearances this season (Transfermarkt).
Two exciting prospects currently plying their trade in Europe, but we feel as if the club should pursue a deal for Balic over Cabral in the New Year.
Financially, the Saints could save a whopping £52.2m by signing Balic over Cabral. Indeed, the Austrian would also add something different to Southampton’s wide options – raw pace.
Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong have both featured regularly so far this season, but neither really has the speed to frighten full-backs.
Balic has been timed to run 20 metres in just 2.75 seconds and was clocked at 39km/h for Austria’s under-21s against France. His speed is quicker than Adama Traore’s 2019/20 top speed of 37.78 km/h.
Also, Ralph Hasenhuttl may already know plenty about his fellow countryman, so a £2.8m deal in the New Year may turn out to be another transfer masterstroke.
