A number of Southampton fans have been reacting to a report from The Athletic that the Saints are considering making a potential summer move for Barcelona defender Junior Firpo.
The Spaniard was the subject of speculation surrounding his future during the January transfer window . The versatile defender, who can play in both full-back positions and at centre-back, was linked with a potential move to West Ham and it was also reported that Arsenal missed out on a late move to bring the 24-year-old to the Premier League.
The Athletic have now reported that Southampton were also in the race to sign the defender in January, and the Saints were apparently close to reaching an agreement to take him on loan for the rest of the season. However, no deal emerged and the 24-year-old remained with Barcelona.
The Athletic added that Southampton are considering reigniting their interest in the defender over the summer. That comes with Firpo on the fringes of the Barcelona squad, having struggled to make a major impact since his £16.2m move from Real Betis in 2019.
However, his form for the Seville club showed that he has the potential to be a real attacking threat from full-back and also a reliable defender, having averaged 1.3 successful dribbles, 1.6 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game in 2018/19 (Sofascore).
Southampton fans hail Firpo transfer links
Many Southampton fans were enthused by the rumours and believe that the defender would be a very good addition for the Saints in the summer. One supporter even suggested that he is the sort of player that Ralph Hasenhuttl would like to develop.
Would love him as our long-term Bertrand replacement, hopefully he’s allowed to leave in the summer https://t.co/YMXq7sC6jt
— Sam (@samhmnd) February 2, 2021
So Ralph’s sort of player. A man who is versatile
— Edward Davis (@eddavid86) February 2, 2021
My thoughts exactly, also young enough to develop
— Adam (@_SFCAdam) February 2, 2021
He was very good for Real Betis. Very pacey, kinda like a younger Bertrand
— Johnny 🌚 (@jayofficial13) February 2, 2021
I think he's a good player would really like him here
— . (@IWSaint1) February 2, 2021
Be class signing
— Josh 🇷🇸 (@JoshSFC13578) February 2, 2021
Interesting article regarding #saintsfc deadline day. Can't say we weren't trying! Interesting info regarding the Barcelona defender https://t.co/rGP18q7NrQ
— Kingsland Corner (@KingslandCorner) February 2, 2021
