Ralph Hasenhuttl has admitted Southampton are “definitely” looking to sign a replacement for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg after Hampshire Live asked about Saints’ reported links with Leicester City man Hamza Choudhury.
The England U21 international may lack the experience and composure of the now-departed Saints skipper but Choudhury is also the kind of tenacious, raw, all-action prospect Hasenhuttl loves to work with
The former RB Leipzig boss has made a career of constructing high-octane, high-energy sides containing rough diamonds and promising youngsters.
And, according to The Telegraph, 22-year-old Choudhury has been lined up for a move that would see him swap Leicester’s bench for a key role at the heart of Southampton’s midfield.
Hasenhuttl was reluctant to give away too much when asked about the Foxes’ academy graduate but admitted a new “number six” was high on his list of priorities.
“More needs to be done in the transfer market, absolutely. We know we have lost a number six in Piere-Emile Hojbjerg so we will definitely do something there,” the Austrian says.
“There is still time to go. I think we have a good XI but we have a lot of games this season so we will need some alternatives.”
Choudhury, who started ten Premier League games in 2019/20, is a midfielder with huge potential – although he may have to show a little more restraint in the tackle if he’s to step into Hojbjerg’s shoes.
Aggression is a trait Hasenhuttl likes – but not when it spills over into recklessness and silly red cards.
Choudhury must learn to balance better on the disciplinary tightrope.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
