---
title: "Saints summer target Joakim Maehle confirms he wants to leave Genk in January"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2020/11/19/joakim-maehle-confirms-he-wants-to-leave-genk-in-january/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2020-11-19T13:30:10Z"
modified: "2020-11-19T13:30:10Z"
---

# Saints summer target Joakim Maehle confirms he wants to leave Genk in January

Genk defender [Joakim Maehle](https://readsouthampton.com/2020/03/25/southampton-frontrunners-to-land-maehle-this-summer/) was wanted by numerous clubs over the summer, including Southampton.

The Saints were labelled as [frontrunners](https://readsouthampton.com/2020/03/25/southampton-frontrunners-to-land-maehle-this-summer/) to sign the 23-year-old earlier this year, with Premier League rivals [Crystal Palace and West Ham](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/11/18/i-want-to-leave-reported-southampton-and-west-ham-target-desperate-for-janaury-move/) also thought to be keen on the right-back.

However, despite plenty of interest, including a late offer from [Marseille](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/11/18/i-want-to-leave-reported-southampton-and-west-ham-target-desperate-for-janaury-move/), the Denmark international remained with the Belgian outfit.

Maehle has recently addressed his future ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window. Talking to [Maxifoot](https://news.maxifoot.fr/om/maehle-clame-son-envie-de-quitter-genk-foot-336455.htm), cited by [HITC](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/11/18/i-want-to-leave-reported-southampton-and-west-ham-target-desperate-for-janaury-move/), the defender made his feelings regarding his future very clear.

> I want to leave as quickly as possible. It’s not always easy to go away in winter, but I think I’ll get there.

> I haven’t discussed this with Genk again, but the club bosses know my point of view. In the meantime, I give my all for the club.

* * *

### Read Southampton verdict

Maehle told [Ekstra Bladet](https://ekstrabladet.dk/sport/fodbold/udenlandsk_fodbold/international_fodbold/danmarks-mest-ombejlede/8095128) back in April that he ‘may end up in Southampton’, however, despite his come-and-get-me comments, we don’t think a move to St Mary’s will materialise in the January window.

Ralph Hasenhuttl brought in [Kyle Walker-Peters](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53740611) on a permanent basis and he has slotted in perfectly following his loan spell last season. The 23-year-old [hasn’t missed a minute](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kyle-walker-peters/leistungsdaten/spieler/341051) of league action so far, with Yan Valery also an option as backup for Walker-Peters.

If Hasenhuttl was short in the right-back department, then Maehle may have been a perfect target, but it seems as if the Saints are well-stocked for now.