Axel Disasi has been in sensational form for Reims this season (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Southampton are confident of signing £13m-rated Stade Reims defender Axel Disasi when the summer transfer window opens.
Disasi, 22, came through the ranks of Paris FC’s youth system and joined Reims’ B team in 2016. A year later, he was promoted to the club’s senior set-up. Though he struggled for game time in the last two seasons, he has become an integral member of the squad this term.
He has been in sensational form and has helped his side to 6th place in the Ligue 1, which was recently cancelled. Disasi has been a regular member of the French U20 side since his debut in November 2017. His impressive performance has also garnered attention from other Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham, as per the report.
The Saints, meanwhile, after a torrid start to the campaign, have made a comeback in the latter stages. They were struggling in the relegation zone earlier but since December, there has been a change in their results for good.
Southampton have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. Though they have reached the 14th spot in the league table, they have lost 4 of their last 5 league games. And it is clear that they need to bring in reinforcements if they are to do better next season.
While the attacking unit has shown signs of improvement in the last few months, the Saints’ defence has faced several issues since the start of the campaign. They have been vulnerable at the back, and thus the manager should focus on strengthening the backline.
Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Jack Stephens and Kevin Danso are the four centre-backs available at the manager’s disposal. But they have not been at their best. The defensive unit has conceded 52 goals so far, which is the joint second-highest in the league.
Vestergaard started the majority of the matches earlier in the league but his form has drastically dropped. Bednarek and Stephens have the two first-choice central defenders for a long time. Though the duo did well, they haven’t been consistent and Danso, who is on loan from Augsburg, could be on his way back to Germany next term.
In that regard, signing Disasi would be an excellent option for the club. The Frenchman has been a regular starter for his side and has helped Reims keep 12 clean sheets in 28 games. They have conceded just 21 goals so far and boast of the best defensive record in Ligue 1.
Disasi is one of the budding talents in French football and he could be a crucial player for Southampton next campaign. If he is able to continue with the same form, the Saints could benefit from his performance in improving their defensive record.
With lack of options at the back, Hasenhuttl should look to add numbers to his backline and Disasi could be an influential figure if he joins them. He is just 22 and has a lot more to offer in the future and could also provide them with the much-needed depth. Thus, Southampton should make a move for the French centre-back and lure him to St. Mary’s Stadium this summer.
