PORTO, PORTUGAL - DECEMBER 01: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City in action during the UEFA Champions League Group C stage match between FC Porto and Manchester City at Estadio do Dragao on December 1, 2020 in Porto, Portugal. Sporting stadiums around Portugal remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
According to 90min (h/t The Sun), Southampton are among the various Premier League clubs interested in Oleksandr Zinchenko. Manchester City are said to be open to offers for the Ukrainian. West Ham, Leicester City and Wolves are the other Premier League clubs interested in the youngster.
Southampton could do with a new left-back, given that Ryan Bertrand is the only senior option available at Ralph Hasenhuttl’s disposal presently. Sam McQueen is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, while young Jake Vokins lacks experience at this level.
In order to sustain their good form this season, Southampton would be wise to add to a position that is severely low on numbers. Bertrand is 31 and even though he is providing good performances week in week out, there does remain the need to add at least another younger left-back option.
It would provide competition for Bertrand as well as allow the new player to take over in a few seasons.
Zinchenko started his career as an attacking midfielder but has been transformed into a left-back at Man City. The Ukrainian has proven himself as a useful operator in that role over the past couple of campaigns while also featuring as a midfielder.
With Bertrand hardly a long-term option at 31, Zinchenko would offer Hasenhuttl a solution to his left-back conundrum for several seasons.
Also, with low numbers in central midfield, the Ukrainian’s versatility to operate as a midfielder could also come in very handy at St. Mary’s. A potential deal for Oleksandr Zinchenko, to that end, would represent a shrewd piece of business for Southampton.
Oleksandr Zinchenko hasn’t really been a regular starter at Man City but has shown enough promise to prove that he is capable of thriving in the Premier League. His versatility to play in so many different roles should make him a wonderful addition to the ranks at Southampton.
Considering that the 24-year-old still has plenty of room for development, the Saints shouldn’t hesitate to splash the cash on the talented Ukrainian.