Every time the transfer windows draw closer, fears and nightmares start to emerge amongst the Southampton faithful. Time and again, we have been witnessing the Saints losing out of their star performers who change their ship to meet their thirst for lucre.
The upcoming transfer window is seemingly likely to dish out in such similar fashion, but then, credit where it is due, Southampton have managed to fill the void left by their superstars more often than not and remain firm despite the animosity which Premier League has on offer.
Virgil van Dijk is unarguably one of the hottest properties in the top flight of English football. The towering central defender has been the cornerstone of Southampton’s mean defence and it would not at all be biased to claim that he has been the best player for them so far this campaign.
The 25-year-old has an excellent drive and notable technical edge, hardly puts a foot wrong, is stupendous during the set-pieces and it is not a surprise to see him getting linked with a host of English heavyweights already.
The likelihood of the Dutchman leaving St. Mary’s once the curtains of the summer transfer window appear to be imminent at this time, which implies that Claude Puel must start looking for a potential replacement to fill the shoes of van Dijk.
Of course, it would really be a tough ask, but one of the proven veterans he could possibly lay his hands on is Galatasaray’s resilient central defender, Aurelien Chedjou. He was linked with a move to Southampton in the January transfer window, but of course, the deal failed to cross the line and without any shadow of a doubt, the Saints must plot for a move to bring him under Puel’s wing.
Chedjou has made 14 appearances in Turkish Super Lig so far this term, making 1.4 tackles, 2.3 interceptions, 4.1 clearances and 0.3 blocks per game on an average for the Lions. The 31-year-old is an experienced player, having played for clubs such as Auxerre and Lille.
However, he has been overlooked at times this season in Galatasaray’s frustrating campaign and considering that his contract with the Turkish giants expires in the summer, the summer transfer window would be an ideal time for Puel to make the Cameroon international put pen to paper.
Puel and Chedjou have worked together before at Lille and the Southampton gaffer is familiar to his calibre. A free transfer and the chance to enhance their squad by bringing this proven defender: what else can Southampton expect?
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
