Parma left-back Jayden Oosterwolde admits ‘I want to play in the Premier League’ amid interest from Nathan Jones’ struggling Southampton, speaking to Voetbal Zone.
The former Luton Town boss certainly has a track record when it comes to getting the best out of exciting, attack-minded full-backs. James Justin and Jack Stacey sealed Premier League moves – with Leicester City and AFC Bournemouth respectively – after thriving under Jones at Kenilworth Road.
And Oosterwolde possesses many of the attributes Jones is looking for. Positive, high-energy, young and mobile. Oosterwolde, by his own admission, is a ‘very fast’ player brimming with ‘attacking ability’.
After making his name in the Eredivisie with FC Twente, the 21-year-old Dutchman has caught the eye on Italian soil at Parma; a bargain signing at just £2.5 million. How long his stay at Stadio Ennio Tardini lasts remains to be seen, however, with Forza Parma suggesting that Oosterwolde may become one of Jones’ first signings at St Mary’s.
Nathan Jones’ Southampton like Parma left-back Jayden Oosterwolde
“There is a lot of interest around me,” Oosterwolde says. “But let’s stop here. I’ll see what the next transfer window brings. For now, I’m focusing on the club. But if the right club arrives, we’ll definitely think about it.
“Where do I see myself in five years? I want to play in the Premier League. As a kid, I always watched English football. It’s simply the best league in the world.”
Oosterwolde models his game on AC Milan and World Cup runner-up Theo Hernandez. He would give Jones’ relegation-threatened Southampton side further depth on the left-hand flank.
Romain Perraud – scorer of an own goal in that Boxing Day defeat to South Coast rivals Brighton and Hove Albion – is currently the number one choice in that position. Back-up Juan Larios, meanwhile, doesn’t even turn 19 until the middle of January.
Bottom-of-the-table Southampton are also prioritising attacking additions in the winter window. With 15 goals in 17 games, the Saints are one of the Premier League’s most profligate sides. Lorient hitman Terem Moffi is one position solution to a problem that has lingered worrying since Danny Ings’ big-money move to Aston Villa a year-and-a-half ago.
The Athletic say that Southampton are ‘interested’ in Nigeria international Moffi.
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