Premier League strugglers Southampton are keeping tabs on Parma left-back Jayden Oosterwolde as they prepare for their first transfer window of the post-Ralph Hasenhuttl era at St Mary’s, Forza Parma report.
Swapping Hasenhuttl for Nathan Jones feels like a classic case of ‘evolution, not revolution’.
Because the attributes that underpin Jones’ overachieving Luton Town side can also be applied to Southampton at their nose-bloodying best under the former RB Leipzig boss. An aggressive, vertical style of play, built upon foundations of high-pressing and a tremendous exertion of energy and off the ball.
In that sense, Oosterwolde should fit in well on the South Coast if he is to become Jones’ first signing on the banks of the Solent.
Could Parma’s Jayden Oosterwolde join Nathan Jones at Southampton?
Of course, there is a lot that must first happen before that becomes a possibility.
Jones is not even through the door yet, even if the wide-eyed Welshman did admit on Tuesday night that has been given permission to speak Southampton. He he is ‘flattered’ to be of interest to a ‘wonderful Premier League club’.
TalkSPORT believe Jones should be confirmed in time for this weekend’s clash with Liverpool.
Oosterwolde, meanwhile, is on Southampton’s radar. There is no suggestion that anything more concrete is in the works just yet. But the 21-year-old Dutchman is certainly be well-suited to life under Jones; a coach who likes working with attack-minded, creative full-backs.
It was he who paved the way for James Justin and Jack Stacey to secure Premier League moves, after all.
Parma’s Oosterwolde, a £2.5 million signing from FC Twente, is an excellent ball carrier with an impressive left boot. He loves to get forward, motoring down the flanks or through the centre of the park. Should he arrive at St Mary’s, he would provide competition with the similarly swashbuckling Romain Perraud.
“I’m trying to work a lot on my growth. For my role, (AC Milan’s) Theo Hernandez is a great player. I try to be inspired by him,” Oosterwolde explains. “I try to improve myself from game to game. And I hope someday to become like him.
“For me, it is important to both assist and score. I’m very fast and I can take advantage of my attacking ability. But I want to improve as a left-back, and I think I can improve in this role.”
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