Deyovaisio Zeefuik in action for Groningen (Getty Images)
As per Dagblad Noorden (h/t Hampshire Live), Southampton are interested in signing Groningen star Deyovaisio Zeefuik in the upcoming transfer window.
Zeefuik, 22, rose through the ranks of Ajax’s youth system and won a few titles with the club’s youth squads. He then joined Groningen in the summer of 2018 following a loan spell with the club. Till date, he has made 73 appearances for Groningen and has impressed in the last couple of seasons.
His impressive performances have also attracted the attention of Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, who are interested in securing his services, as per the report. However, the report also suggests that the Dutch outfit are looking at a replacement for Zeefuik. Thus, Southampton should attempt a prompt move for the youngster.
The Saints have improved a lot in recent times after they struggled to move out of the relegation zone in the initial stages of the season. Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has managed to get the best out of his side and they are flying high on the back of the success of star forward Danny Ings, who has scored 19 goals so far.
After just one loss in their last five league games, Southampton are currently 12th in the league table and are aiming for a finish in the top half of the table. However, with the season coming to an end, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to perform well right from the start of the new campaign.
One key area Hasenhuttl should focus on strengthening is the backline. At the moment, only two right-backs are available at the manager’s disposal – Yan Valery and Kyle Walker-Peters. And both of them have not been at their best.
Valery featured in just 11 games this season as he fell a victim to injury. And since his return, he has not been the same. Walker-Peters has made 9 appearances since arriving in January but would return to North London once his loan spell ends in the summer. Thus, a right-back is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Zeefuik would help them secure their backline for the future. The Dutch U21 international has been a regular member of Groningen’s squad since his arrival at the Hitachi Capital Mobility Stadion. Despite providing just 2 assists in 26 league games this term, he has shown great potential in defending.
He is just 22 and has a lot of room for development and under the guidance of Hasenhuttl, he could develop into a good player for the Saints. The youngster would also definitely bring healthy competition for Valery if he joins them.
With a lack of options at the back, it is clear that the Saints are in dire need of right-backs and Zeefuik could provide them with some much-needed depth. He could also go on to represent them in the long run if he continues with the fine form. Thus, they should make a move for him as the report says the deal could be worth around just €4m.
