Southampton Dragon

Southampton signing this 20-year-old starlet with £10.2m clause would transform the defence

Share

Why Mohammed Salisu would be an excellent signing for Southampton

According to Sky Sports, Southampton are interested in signing the Real Valladolid centre-back Mohammed Salisu.

Mohammed Salisu, 20, made his debut for Real Valladolid this season after replacing Fernando Calero, who was sold to Espanyol last summer. He has made 18 appearances so far this season, scoring a goal.

The central defender’s contract at Valladolid runs through until 2022 having been penned back in May, while he is yet to be capped for the Ghana national team.

The 20-year-old, who has a £10.2m buyout clause, has also caught the attention of a number of clubs other than Southampton, the report adds.

Barcelona’s Argentine forward Lionel Messi vies with Valladolid’s Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid FC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 29, 2019. (Getty Images)

The Saints, meanwhile, are suddenly looking up towards the mid-table after earning well-deserved victories over Aston Villa, Chelsea and Tottenham. They have probably started peaking at the right time and are now five points above the relegation zone.

But as Southampton have the second-worst defensive record in the division, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should reinforce his defence this month. Jack Stephens has been excellent over the last few weeks, performing really well next to Jan Bednarek at the back.

Consistency is key to success and Hasenhuttl needs the Bednarek-Stephens partnership to continue blossoming.

However, with the Saints lacking depth in that area and Werder Bremen keen on re-signing Jannik Vestergaard (h/t Sky Sports) this month, Hasenhuttl must improve his options at the back by signing the young Mohammed Salisu.

Salisu is one of the rising stars of La Liga this season, playing an integral role in the Real Valladolid backline during the first phase of the campaign. Standing at 6ft 3in tall, the 20-year-old is a strong, powerful and technically gifted defender who can comfortably bring the ball out from the back.

Ralph Hasenhuttl during his time at RB Leipzig. (Getty Images)

More Southampton News

The Ghanaian’s ability to play the ball out from the back should complement the rather robust, no-nonsense nature of defenders like Bednarek and Stephens, thus adding another dimension to the Saints defence.

In the video below, one can get a glimpse of Salisu’s defending this season and the qualities he could bring to St. Mary’s if a deal goes through.

Verdict

Although the youngster is likely to take some time in integrating himself to the fast-paced nature of English football, Salisu, no doubt, has the talent to become an ever-present figure in the Southampton backline.

With an excellent track record of helping technically-gifted youngsters realize their potential, Hasenhuttl could unearth a gem in the Valladolid starlet.

Rohan Sengupta

Hi, I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7. Follow me @garrydevildada

Recent Posts

The Vital Role of Communication on the Soccer Field: Unlocking Success in Leagues

Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…

11 hours ago

The Brilliance of Paul Scholes: A Midfield Maestro’s Illustrious Career

In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…

2 weeks ago

Online games on Football

Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…

3 weeks ago

Using Soccer News to Enhance Your Game Strategy

If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…

4 weeks ago

Interesting Facts About Football: 40 Questions and Answers

I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the  thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the  unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected  twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts  about football.  What are the most interesting facts about football?  Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has  been sent off is 0 seconds!  Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many  football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know.  Interesting Facts About Football  Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they  don't know!  When was football invented?  Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …

4 weeks ago

Real Sociedad vs PSG preview, team news, tickets and prediction

Real Sociedad returns to the midst of Europe's elite clubs in the UEFA Champions League…

1 month ago