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Southampton: Journalist claims club are ‘optimistic’ of signing Bayern outcast

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Image for Southampton: Journalist claims club are ‘optimistic’ of signing Bayern outcast

According to journalist Dean Jones, Southampton is ‘optimistic’ and ’emerging as a real option’ to sign Bayern Munich outcast Chris Richards in this summer’s transfer window.

Southampton had a disappointing 21/22 campaign as they finished 15th, failing to improve on their 20/21 finish and as a result, are looking to bolster their defensive options with the pursuit of Richards, who has seemingly become surplus to requirements at German giants Bayern.

While it seems any deal for the defender is just rumours at the moment, according to Jones, the south coast team is becoming a real possible landing spot for Ricahrds and he could end up being a good signing for them, despite not breaking into the Bayern side.

He told GiveMeSport, “Chris Richards is emerging as a real option for Saints.

“I’ve watched a fair bit of him and while he hasn’t made it at Bayern yet there is definitely reason to believe this would be a good signing. A few things to be sorted but people around it seem optimistic.”

TIF Thoughts on Richards to Southampton…

The Saints need to add to their defensive options as they finished with the fourth-worst goals conceded record in the entire Premier League, with 67 told goals conceded with an average of 1.8 goals per game.

Richards played most of his football on loan at TSG Hoffenheim last season, making 19 appearances for the club while averaging 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.4 clearances, two long balls, and 2.8 aerials duels won per game with 85% passing accuracy on 49.2 average passes per game (Whoscored). He also ranked in the 99th percentile for blocks, the 98th for aerial duels won, and the 82nd for progressive passes, showing as well as defending at a high level he can help create chances from the back.

While it is unsure how much the Saints will have to fork out for his signature, bringing in a young player like Richards who has a lot of upside and potential is only a good idea after their disappointing season.

Will Richards go to Southampton?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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