Southampton are eyeing a move for RCD Espanyol forward Leo Baptistao. Reports in Italy have suggested that the Saints are one of several clubs interested in securing the services of the Brazilian, who has impressed with his performances this season. TalkSPORT has backed those claims and has stated that both Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton are currently monitoring the 25-year-old striker, who has already bagged three goals in this campaign.
However, according to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Serie A heavyweights AS Roma are also interested in signing Baptistao as they hunt to find a suitable replacement for ex-Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko.
Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino is hoping to secure the services of the South American striker when the January transfer window opens next month. The Saints along with Chris Hughton’s Brighton, reckon that the 25-year-old would be willing to make a switch to the Premier League. T
he La Liga striker is currently under contract with Espanyol until 2021, with a release clause worth in the region of €27m inserted. It is understood that Italian club Genoa has also joined in on the hunt for his services. However, Baptistao is believed to prefer a move to AS Roma if he decides to leave La Liga.
The attacker put pen to paper on a deal with RCD Espanyol when he joined from Athletico Madrid in the summer of 2016 on a five-year deal worth €3.5m. He has recently notched up his 34th appearance for the Catalan club and has scored 9 goals and made 9 assists during that time. The striker has featured in 133 La Liga matches throughout his career and has bagged 27 goals and made 20 assists in one of the toughest leagues in Europe.
The Saints have scored 14 goals in 14 Premier League matches and find themselves in 12th place in the league standings due to their solid defence. Mauricio Pellegrino can do with a fresh face in January who can liven up the Saints’ attack. With the exception of Charlie Austin, most of their attackers have struggled so far this season.
Although not the most productive striker, Leo Baptistao would be a risk but a risk worth taking if the price is right. The ex-Athletico Madrid forward has tested himself in La Liga and has gathered a lot of experience against some of the world’s elite clubs. His skills will surely help the Saints as they aim to finish the season in the top half of the Premier League table.
The Espanyol player won’t have any problem with regards to acquiring a work permit as he has already lived in Spain since 2008 and has a European passport. However, his expensive price-tag may be a huge stumbling block for any deal to materialise for the Saints. It remains to be seen whether Southampton submits an official bid in January.
