Southampton have enjoyed a very encouraging start to the season and Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are currently harbouring potential ambitions to threaten the European places in the Premier League.
Having got off to such a strong start to the campaign, the Saints are in a very good position to conduct their January transfer business. They could be a very attractive proposition for several rising players looking for the next step up in their careers, and Hasenhuttl seems like a manager with whom young prospects would like to work.
It has recently been reported by The Scottish Sun that Southampton are among a number of clubs registering an interest in Celtic defender Jeremie Frimpong. The Saints are thought to be keeping tabs on his current situation, with discussions over an extension to his current deal having taken place with the Scottish giants but no agreement struck yet.
Frimpong has been one of the bright sparks for Celtic in what has been a frustrating start to the season for them, with Neil Lennon’s side falling far behind Rangers in the league and out of the Europa League. The 19-year-old has a goal and an assist to his name as well as averaging 1.1 successful dribbles and winning one tackle per game in the league this term (Sofascore).
The right-back arrived at Celtic in the summer of 2019 from Manchester City and his impressive form since his arrival in Scotland has seen him labelled by pundit Danny McGrain as an ‘excellent’ young prospect with the potential to become a £50m player over the coming years.
The full-back positions area an area of potential concern for the Saints as they aim to continue their good start to the season. Both Kyle Walker-Peters and Ryan Bertrand are far ahead of Jan Valery and Jake Vokins in the pecking order and Hasenhuttl could need to add more depth in that position in the event of injuries.
Bringing in a player of Frimpong’s potential and experience, having been playing regularly for the last season-and-a-half with Celtic, is something they should go all out to try and do in January. The 19-year-old could well prove to be a bargain acquisition, and although Celtic will be keen to keep hold of him, Hasenhuttl could offer him the chance of moving to the Premier League.
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Frimpong is clearly a player with a vast amount of potential and you could see him excelling under Hasenhuttl if he were to dislodge Walker-Peters in the right-back position. That would greatly enhance competition for places and that could only be a positive for Southampton’s push for Europe.
The Saints have a strong reputation for developing young talent and Frimpong might be wise choosing to move to St Mary’s if that chance comes his way. It is a move which could benefit both parties a lot and it would make sense for Hasenhuttl’s side to pursue him in the winter transfer window.
