Southampton appear to have won the £11 million race to sign Mohammed Salisu with Rennes president Nicolas Holveck accepting that the La Liga defender is heading to the Premier League, speaking to FootMercato.
Given that the 20-year-old Ghanian is fluent in the English language, it always seemed likely that he would choose Britain over Brittany.
And, after six months of speculation, Salisu appears to be on the verge of joining Ralph Hasenhuttl’s exciting and improving Saints side with the Mail suggesting that an £11 million deal has been all-but agreed.
Southampton appear to have overcome potential work permit problems too. The Real Valladolid youngster, who is yet to make his debut for the Ghanaian national team, will sign a four-year contract worth £35,000-a-week, according to AS.
And while nothing is over until the fat lady sings, it seems that she is warming up her vocal chords with Rennes admitting defeat.
“Unfortunately, we knew that Mohamed prefers the Premier League because he is English-speaking. We respect his choice,” said Holveck.
“We had doubts about his ability to obtain the work permit in England. It seems he acquired it. We were his first choice in case he did not obtain the permit.”
Inspired by the form of wantaway forward M’Baye Niang, Rennes finished third in Ligue 1 last season to qualify for the Champions League for the very first time.
But, at Southampton, Salisu will be joining forces with a coach famed for his ability to turn rough diamonds into gleaming gems.
During his time in England and Germany, Hasenhuttl has worked wonders with Naby Keita, Timo Werner, Nathan Redmond, Jack Stephens, Will Smallbone and more.
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