Emmanuel Dennis (Getty Images)
As per VoetbalKrant (h/t Hampshire Live), Southampton are interested in signing Club Brugge star Emmanuel Dennis in a bid to bolster their attack.
The report claims that the Belgian is valued at £25m and the Saints are hoping to include defender Wesley Hoedt in the deal to lower the asking price for Dennis. It also suggests that Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is a keen admirer of the Nigerian.
Born in Nigeria, Dennis came through the ranks of Accademia di Ajuba’s youth system and joined Ukrainian side Zorya Luhansk in the summer of 2016. He impressed in the Premier Liga with 6 goals in 22 games and was signed by club Brugge the following summer.
In his first season in the Belgian league, Dennis racked up 7 goals and 4 assists and since then, he has been an integral member of the squad, helping them lift two league titles. However, he came to prominence this season when he scored two quick-fire goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old has been in sensational form since his arrival in Belgium and has attracted a lot of attention.
At the moment, the Saints have five centre-forwards in their ranks. English ace Danny Ings has been their leader up front. The former Liverpool man was one of the key reasons for Southampton’s rise in the latter stages of the last season. He managed to score 22 goals last season.
Che Adams also came to the fore in the last few weeks and seems to have convinced the manager. Apart from them, the Saints have Michael Obafemi, Shane Long and Guido Carrillo.
Obafemi has seen limited game time and has also been linked with a move elsewhere whereas, Long is already 33 and reaching the twilight of his career. And Carrillo is set to be on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury.
Thus, the South Coast club need to bring in a striker this summer and Dennis would be a suitable option for the club. Despite his tender age, he has already shown immense potential and also has some experience in the Champions League, which could benefit the Saints.
The Nigerian has been consistent in the last few years and if he is able to continue with the fine form, he could be a terrific signing. He could also be seen as a future replacement for Long and his abilities can never be doubted.
At 22, Dennis has a huge future ahead of him and the Saints must be able to enjoy his best. He has a lot of room for development and could also provide Hasenhuttl with some valuable quality in the attack. Thus, Southampton should lure the Nigerian to St. Mary’s Stadium at the earliest.
