Anderlecht's Yari Verschaeren and Genk's Jere Uronen fight for the ball during a soccer match between RSC Anderlecht and RC Genk, Thursday 16 May 2019 in Brussels. (Getty Images)
Back in September 2019, the Daily Mail had claimed that Southampton were interested in signing Anderlecht teenager Yari Verschaeren.
Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Yari Verschaeren, 19, played for Kruibeke and Waasland-Beveren before joining Anderlecht’s youth setup at the age of 9. The teenager caught the eye with his rapid development and was handed his first professional contract in 2017, with his senior debut coming on 25 November 2018 against Sint-Truiden.
The Belgian has impressed this season at Anderlecht, scoring two goals and registering an assist in 22 games. Apart from his rapid rise at Anderlecht, Verschaeren also made his international debut as a late substitute against Scotland in the Euro 2020 qualifiers last year.
Meanwhile, Southampton have done well to recover from a slow start and are now 14th in the table. Star striker Danny Ings has been crucial for them upfront, scoring 15 goals. Other than Ings, there haven’t been any consistent goalscorers for the Saints this term.
Summer signing Che Adams has been a total flop, failing to yet open his account in 22 league games. Moussa Djenepo has struggled with injuries in his debut Premier League campaign, while Shane Long has netted just twice in 19 league games.
In addition to scoring goals, Southampton have also struggled with a lack of creativity. They have been devoid of invention in the final third, with Nathan Redmond and Sofiane Boufal blowing hot and cold for majority of the campaign.
Therefore, the manager needs to bring in reinforcement before the start of the next season. To that end, Ralph Hasenhuttl should rekindle his interest in Yari Verschaeren.
Verschaeren is one of the Jupiler League’s most exciting young players. An attacking midfielder capable of playing on either wing, he is an ideal fit for Hasenhuttl’s tried and trusted 4-2-2-2 system. The Belgian is capable of playing on either side as an inside forward and is capable of scoring goals as well as setting up his fellow forwards.
The 18-year-old looks like a fine young talent in the right age bracket who could possibly have a big part to play for Southampton next season. He is still young for an attacker but his talent and potential have been there for everybody to see.
Verschaeren has shown his ability to perform in the Jupiler League 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 Anderlecht.
While the youngster might not be an immediate upgrade on existing players like Stuart Armstrong, Sofiane Boufal, Moussa Djenepo and Michael Obafemi, Southampton would be wise to snap him up as a good long-term prospect.
Having said that, Southampton completing a move for Verschaeren could pay off handsomely for Hasenhuttl’s long-term plans at St. Mary’s moving forward.
