With Cedric Soares likely to make his leave the club if reports are to be believed, Southampton are in desperate need to bring in a right-back to fill the void when the defender leaves. And it seems like their search may finally end at Waasland-Beveren’s man Laurent Jans. According to reports, Southampton are plotting a move for the Luxembourg international.
It is also public knowledge now that Cuco Martina was on the verge of signing for Everton this summer but a last minute season-ending knee injury to summer signing Jeremy Pied stopped the move. Now, with the winter transfer fast approaching, Southampton can get their hands on Jans, which will, in turn, clear the path for Martina.
The Saints are likely to get stiff competition from Championship side Aston Villa and Huddersfield to land the right-back. The 24-year-old Luxembourg international is also quite a hot prospect among many top-flight French clubs. Apart from England and France, he has gained attention from VfB Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, and Anderlecht.
Waasland-Beveren are reportedly asking for a fee in the region of 1million euros for the defender. They had signed him from Luxembourg’s Fola-Esh for 10,000 euros 18 months ago. Anderlecht is also known to have taken notice when Jans helped Waasland-Beveren to a 2-1 win over the Belgian giants a few weeks back.
Cuco Martina hasn’t been at his best this season and the emerging form of Cedric Soares has saved Southampton the blushes for now. But, the Saints can’t depend on one full-back as the number of fixtures intensifies with the season advancing. They are currently in the 12th position in the league after collecting just 14 points from the opening 12 games.
Jans has made 15 appearances this season and scored two goals, one in the Jupiler Pro League and one in the Beker van Belgie. The player could be a good option as he has a good burst of pace, which could really come in handy in Premier League.
He is very sound defensively with a good stamina and although he is 178 cm, he seems to be good in aerial duels for he times his jump quite effectively. He has a decent crossing ability, which could definitely improve under Puel. He could be a finished product in a few years in Premier League.
Soares was brilliant against Liverpool and the Portuguese is heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, so Southampton won’t be able to resist if an offer comes from Nou Camp. Southampton need an option in that position and Jans could well be the player who provides that.
