Premier League side Southampton are reportedly close to signing Real Valladolid central defender Mohammed Salisu.
AS recently published a report about Salisu, saying that he is ‘closer than ever’ to signing for Southampton. They claim that the defender has chosen the Saints as his next club, despite ‘strong interest’ from Rennes.
The outlet mentions three reasons why he wants a move to Southampton. The first reason is the lure of the Premier League and the project that the Saints have offered to him. The second reason is that he’s comfortable with English, and the third reason is the lucrative contract that is being offered to him by the south coast club. It is believed that he will sign a four-year deal with an option to extend it for another year.
It has been claimed that Valladolid have ‘given up’ on Salisu, as they’ve already signed Javi Sanchez from Real Madrid.
Would Salisu be the perfect Vestergaard replacement?
Yes, absolutely
No, I don't think so
TIF Thoughts…
Salisu has been a regular for Valladolid in the 2019/20 season. He has made 32 appearances in all competitions. In La Liga, he has played 31 games but hasn’t been in the club’s squad for the last couple of fixtures (via Transfermarkt).
The Ghanaian has picked up a WhoScored rating of 6.79 for Valladolid this season and that is less than only four Valladolid players in the current campaign. It shows that he has been a reliable central defender this season.
At 21, he offers potential for development and he can improve as a footballer. So signing him could be a great move for Southampton, with Jannik Vestergaard being linked with a move away from the club.