Why Southampton must make a move for Jack Tucker this summer
According to the Daily Mail, Southampton are among a host of clubs interested in signing Gillingham starlet Jack Tucker.
Jack Tucker, 20, has emerged as one of League One’s most talented prospects. He is enjoying his breakthrough season with Gillingham in League One having been signed by the club as a free agent. The youngster has made 34 appearances for Steve Evans’ side this season, attracting a host of admirers.
Gillingham are working hard to manage their finances and they could be forced to cash in on Tucker to ease their worries, with the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham, Norwich City, Rangers and Celtic all interested in the 20-year-old, the report adds.
Meanwhile, Southampton have endured a poor season after failing to get any sort of momentum. They did pick up some decent form in December but somewhat lost their track before the league got suspended. The Saints have slipped to 14th in the table after winning just once in their last five games.
Ralph Hassenhuttl has a lot of areas to address during the summer transfer window. One of the most crucial areas is the defence, with his side conceding a staggering 52 goals in 29 games. Bringing in defensive reinforcements at the end of the season should be a top priority for the Saints if they are to avoid an awful 2020/21 campaign.
That being said, Hasenhuttl should do everything possible to bag Jack Tucker’s signature at the end of the season.
Tucker is one of the rising stars of League One this season, playing an integral role in helping Gillingham concede just 34 goals in 35 games.
At 20, Tucker would be part of the Southampton defence for years to come if signed, as well as providing competition for the players who are currently at the club. He is a defender with enormous potential, indicated by the fact that a number of Premier League sides and Scotland’s two biggest clubs are keen on signing him. (h/t Daily Mail)
The 20-year-old would strengthen the Saints’ defensive unit, whilst bringing depth to Hasenhuttl’s squad.
Read more
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While the youngster might not be an immediate upgrade on existing central defenders like Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard and Jack Stephens, Southampton would be wise to snap him up as a good long-term prospect.
Verdict
Having said that, Southampton completing a summer swoop for Tucker has the potential to pay off handsomely for Hasenhuttl’s long-term plans at St. Mary’s.
