Southampton's Danish defender Jannik Vestergaard celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Southampton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England on November 1, 2020. (Photo by Gareth Copley / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by GARETH COPLEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Hampshire Live, Jannik Vestergaard could be the next in line to receive a new contract from Southampton. The player was coy on it though, saying that he did not think much about those things. The club have recently renewed the contract of Oriol Romeu, and several other stars could be next in line.
The 28-year-old Danish centre-back started his youth career at BK Vestia in 1996 before having spells at Boldklubben Frem and Kjobenhavns Boldklub. Finally, he settled in at Brondby in 2008.
While he was in their U-19 side, he moved to Hoffenheim and was drafted into their reserve side. Within a year, he was promoted to the senior side as he went on to make 82 appearances for them. Werder Bremen came calling in 2015 and he made the move.
Vestergaard spent very less time at Bremen but did manage to rack up over 50 games for the side. Finally, his journey in Germany took him to Borussia Monchengladbach. In 83 appearances for the side, he scored 7 goals and assisted once (source – Transfermarkt).
Southampton signed him in 2018 and while he took some time to settle at the club, he is now one of their most important players. The Dane is also a full international with his national side, making 20 appearances to date.
When Jannik Vestergaard arrived in England, not many knew what to expect. He was a defender mostly experienced in the Bundesliga. While he did slot in seamlessly into the side, it was his sophomore season that really stood out as difficult for him. He had fallen behind every defender in the team.
Yet as this season started, Vestergaard was given the chance to prove himself and he has taken that with both hands. Since the Tottenham debacle, the Saints haven’t lost even one game and have somehow managed to nick five wins from nine while sitting 5th in the table.
The Dane has started in each game after the Spurs loss and the difference has been visible. The club has yet to lose a single game since then. It is clear that Vestergaard has established himself as a vital player for the team. With his contract set to end in 2022, Southampton would be wise to hand him a renewal with improved terms.
