Feyenoord full-back Marcus Pedersen has opened up on the appeal of Southampton as he weighs up a potential summer switch to the Premier League outfit, speaking to ESPN.
Now, how much can we read into Southampton’s alleged interest in the jet-heeled Norway international? Is it merely a coincidence that reports linking Pedersen with a move to St Mary’s have emerged at a time in which Kyle Walker-Peters’ name is also being dotted around the gossip columns.
Arsenal are reportedly looking into a deal for one of the Premier League’s finest and most versatile full-backs. As are Everton, and Walker-Peters’ former employers Tottenham Hotspur (The Sun).
So has Pedersen been lined up as a potential reinforcement for ‘KWP’? Southampton are, after all, a club with an enviable track record when it comes to finding readymade replacements for departing stars.
Or is Pedersen viewed instead as someone capable of stepping into a Tino Livramento-shaped hole on the right-hand side of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s defence, with Walker-Peters continuing on the opposite flank?
There’s certainly plenty to ponder. Not just for Saints fans, but for Pedersen too.
Would Marcus Pedersen leave Feyenoord for Southampton?
“There are a lot of rumours, but I’m focusing on preparing with Feyenoord,” says the 22-year-old, translated by FR12. “I’m a Feyenoord player, and I don’t want to worry about what happens next. I’m here and want to be part of this project.”
When pressed on Southampton’s interest, however, Pedersen was not quite as emphatic about his Feyenoord future.
“I am a player who has never been afraid to take another step to a higher league,” adds the former Malmo starlet.
“Southampton has shown for years that they can develop young talents and sell them on to bigger clubs. I have not spoken to them myself. I don’t deal with the many rumours, but focus on football.
“Staying would also be a good choice for me. I’ve been here for a year now. I feel good, know the club, the coach and the great fans. I can focus on football here in peace. If I left now, that would be the third time in just over two years.
“You always have to adapt to a new place, which also takes a lot of energy. I have nothing to complain about here. There are also many advantages to staying with.”
Southampton also showed an interest in Neco Williams before Nottingham Forest paid £17 million for the former Liverpool youngster.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
