Why Southampton should go for Real Valladolid’s Mohammed Salisu
Back in January, Sky Sports had claimed that Southampton were interested in signing Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu. However, no deal materialised during the January transfer window.
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 27 La Liga appearances so far this season, registering a goal and an assist.
The central defender’s contract at Valladolid runs through until 2022, while he is yet to be capped for the Ghanaian national team. The report had then claimed that the Ghanaian has a £10.2m buyout clause.
Meanwhile, Southampton now find themselves 14th in the table, seven points above the relegation zone. It hasn’t been a great season for the Saints and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl should be aware of it. Hasenhuttl, after enduring a 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Leicester City back in October, has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to get the club out of the relegation zone.
The Southampton boss has a lot of areas to address during the summer transfer window. One of the most crucial areas is the defence, with Hasenhuttl’s side conceding a staggering 52 goals in 29 games.
They have the joint second-worst defensive record in the Premier League. Thus, it’s a no-brainer to strengthen the defensive options and Hasenhuttl should reignite his interest in Mohammed Salisu.
Salisu is one of the rising stars of La Liga this season, playing an integral role in helping Real Valladolid concede just 33 goals in 27 games. He looks like a fine young talent in the right age bracket who could possibly have a big part to play for Southampton next season. The Ghanaian is still young for a centre-back but his talent and potential have been there for everybody to see.
The 20-year-old would certainly strengthen the Saints’ defensive unit, whilst bringing depth to Hasenhuttl’s squad. Salisu has shown his ability to perform in La Liga this season and he would be a valuable long-term asset at St. Mary’s if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown with Real Valladolid.
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Verdict
The Ghanaian would bring some much-needed competition for Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard next season should a move to Southampton materialise. Salisu has done very well in his breakthrough campaign at Valladolid and there are chances of him taking his game to the next level under the watchful eyes of Hasenhuttl.
Thus, Southampton must do everything possible to secure the signing of Salisu ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
