Ozan Tufan has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace (Getty Images)
According to Football.london, Fenerbahce midfielder Ozan Tufan has been linked with a move to Southampton in recent times.
Tufan, 25, came through the ranks of Bursaspor’s youth academy and joined Fenerbahce in the summer of 2105. Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has evolved into a key player for the Turkish giants.
So far, he has made 124 appearances for the Turkish outfit in five years, contributing with 12 goals and 14 assists. He is also a regular member of the Turkish national team. Since making his debut in May 2014, he has featured in 49 games for his nation.
Tufan’s impressive performances this season have also caught the attention of Everton and Crystal Palace, as per the report.
Meanwhile, Southampton have managed to climb higher up the table after a torrid start to the campaign which saw them in the relegation zone. Ralph Hasenhuttl has done a stellar job in the latter stages of the campaign, taking his team out of danger.
However, prior to the league getting suspended, Southampton fell to the 14th position in the table, having lost their last two league games. They have been inconsistent throughout the season.
Thus, the manager should bring in reinforcements to the squad if they are to achieve further progress in the next campaign. One area where Hasenhuttl needs to address before they get into the new season is the midfield.
The manager has just two attack-minded central midfielders at his disposal – James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Armstrong. Ward-Prowse has been brilliant throughout the campaign, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. Armstrong has contributed with three goals as well, but has been in and out of the team.
Therefore, a goalscoring midfielder is essential to Southampton’s squad. And, In that regard, Fenerbahce’s Tufan would be a suitable option to boost their midfield.
In 26 games across all competitions so far, Tufan has racked up 3 goals and 6 assists, helping his side to the 7th place in the Super Lig table. He has been in fine form this term and has the ability to be a good signing for the Saints, provided he is able to carry his current form forward.
The Turkish international has got the experience at a higher level which would be valuable. His inclusion to Hasenhuttl’s squad would definitely bring in healthy competition. He would also provide them with the much-needed depth in central midfield.
At 25, Tufan is on the verge of entering his peak years. This would be the right time for the Turk to take a huge stride into the Premier League. In the meantime, Southampton also need goalscoring midfielders in their ranks to do better in the upcoming season. Thus, they must do everything to lure Tufan to St. Mary’s Stadium in the summer.
