Southampton are reportedly tracking Hertha Berlin wonderkid Teoman Gunduz as a potential summer signing, with Brighton & Hove Albion also interested in the teenager.
According to the Daily Mail, the Saints are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old midfielder, who has per the report is earning rave reviews in Germany for his performances for Hertha’s second-team in the German fourth-tier, with Gunduz already earning lofty comparison to World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus.
A Turkish youth international, Gunduz is yet to feature for Hertha’s senior team, yet the way things are going for the youngster, it won’t be long until the midfielder is turning out for the Bundesliga outfit, and this could push Southampton into signing the teenager.
The south coast Premier League side’s transfer policy in the summer under Ralph Hasenhuttl was heavily focused on bringing in young players who could start for Southampton, and whilst the plan has largely failed given the Saints’ current league position, it’s a stance that could work out well in the future.
Indeed, with Gunduz yet to even make a professional appearance in the top flight, signing the midfielder could be a deal that works out regardless of what division Southampton are in next season, with the teenager clearly rated enough to potentially feature in the Championship if the worst-case scenario occurs.
Moreover, even if Southampton do face the dreaded drop, the Saints could still be in a financial position to sign Gunduz, with Hertha unlikely to hold the midfielder to ransom despite how highly-regarded the 18-year-old wonderkid is at this stage of his career.
Southampton must sign Gunduz regardless of what happens this season
Southampton’s transfer plan might have backfired in the summer, yet there’s no doubt that some of the young players signed will soon develop into top players, and Gunduz could fit into this long-term plan regardless of where the St. Mary’s side are playing their football next season.
At 18 and already being compared to a player as legendary as Matthaus is quite some feat, and for Gunduz, a move to England with Southampton could be an excellent next step for all parties in the coming months, with the midfielder seemingly a talent who could thrive on the south coast.
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