The Basel centre-back would be an excellent fit at Southampton.
Following the sale of Virgil Van Dijk to Liverpool, Southampton surely need to bring in another centre-back during this month’s transfer window.
One player who could fill that void is Manuel Akanji, with the Basel defender the subject of strong interest from Southampton, as reported by Blick.
Akanji has also reportedly been targeted by Liverpool, according to The Independent, but it is Southampton who have the most pressing need to sign him.
Even when they were able to call upon Van Dijk, Southampton have been vulnerable at the back this season, as demonstrated by the fact that they have conceded 32 goals in the Premier League.
With the club currently in 17th place in the Premier League, investment is needed to help Southampton stay up and Akanji would be an inspired signing.
The 22-year-old is composed on the ball and has experience of playing in the Champions League for Basel, while he has also broken into the Switzerland squad and looks set for a bright future at international level.
Akanji would slot straight into the Southampton defence and could work well alongside Wesley Hoedt, with Maya Yoshida and Jack Stephens as backup options.
Securing Akanji’s signature may not be an easy task but Southampton should do all they can to make this transfer happen.
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