Roma have reportedly opened talks with Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, and it would be a huge blow for Ralph Hasenhuttl to lose him this summer.
What’s the word?
Italian football journalist Nicolo Schira has suggested that Roma are in talks with the Denmark international over a potential summer deal, after his impressive performances for club and country in the past 12 months.
The former Borussia Monchengladbach man played a key role for Kasper Hjulmand’s side as they reached the semi-finals of the European Championships this summer, making six appearances and averaging a solid 6.79 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
Would it be a blow for Hasenhuttl to lose Vestergaard?
Considering he has just one year left on his contract with Southampton, it is no surprise that teams are taking an interest in the 28-year-old this summer, and if a new contract cannot be agreed upon, it would not be out of the question to see him depart this year rather than potentially losing him for nothing in 2022.
After an up and down start to his Southampton career, Vestergaard was one of the most consistent performers in Hasenhuttl’s side last season, contributing three goals in 30 Premier League appearances, averaging a 6.89 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
This was enough to rank him as the third-best performer in the Austrian’s side last season, so it would undoubtedly be a blow if he were to depart this summer, as he is clearly an influential part of the squad.
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After a win against Burnley last season, Hasenhuttl was full of praise for the centre-back, saying:
“There were a lot of headers and crosses today, that is clear, and plenty of long balls into our box and he is absolutely phenomenal because of his strength in the air.
“On the ball, he is also very calm and gives us a real lift. I think he was one of the best players in my side today and he played with a good performance.”
Southampton would be losing a huge aerial threat both in their box and the opposition box if Vestergaard were to leave, so Saints fans would surely be gutted if he were to leave.
And, in other news… Fabrizio Romano drops Southampton transfer news on “excellent” gem, Saints fans will be buzzing