Former Dinamo Zagreb coach Damir Krznar admits he is ‘very happy’ to see Croatia international Mislav Orsic close in on a move to the Premier League with Southampton, speaking to Germanijak.
With The Saints staring down the barrel of relegation, the already under-fire Nathan Jones is crying out for high-quality reinforcements capable of coming in and making an immediate impact on the banks of the Solent.
Enter Mislav Orsic.
One of Europe’s most underrated and consistent goalscoring widemen, Orsic arrives at Southampton on the back of a 20-goal season at Dinamo Zagreb. The 30-year-old left-winger has a serious reputation for thriving on the big occasions too, scoring in Europe against West Ham, Chelsea, AC Milan, Sevilla and – most memorably – Tottenham Hotspur.
Diamonds, as they say, are forged in pressure.
Nathan Jones’ Southampton are about to sign Croatia and Dinamo Zagreb ace Mislav Orsic
“I’m very happy for him. He’s earned it. He’s a great professional, a player you have to drive off the field. He is really easy to work with,” explains Krznar. “And he also has great quality. I don’t remember anyone scoring so many big, crucial goals for Dinamo like him.
“(Losing Orsic) is not a good moment for the club. I’m convinced that he will show his worth even in the best league in the world.”
According to Sky Sports, Orsic could become a Southampton player this weekend. Perhaps before Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash with Crystal Palace. Terms have been agreed; bottom-of-the-table Saints parting with a bargain fee of £6 million.
“He is an example, on and off the field,” adds Nenad Bjelica, who spent two years as the manager of Dinamo Zagreb from 2018 to 2020. “I don’t remember him missing a single training session, for any reason.
“He scored many important goals. The English club will realise very quickly what kind of player they have bought. I would not underestimate Southampton. It is a very well respected English club. (The Premier League) is the strongest league in the world. And to get there is a great achievement, especially at the age of 30.
“If these sums are correct – six million plus some bonuses – that’s a very good amount and a big transfer.”
Southampton are also in talks with Nicolas Jackson, Terem Moffi and Carlos Alcaraz. A return for Aston Villa striker Danny Ings is also under consideration.
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