Southampton have now made contact regarding a deal for Feyenoord defender Anel Ahmedhodzic, as they look to strengthen their defence.
The Saints are set to get their Championship campaign underway on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford in the 14:30 kick-off.
After missing out on competing in the play-off final due to the ‘Spygate’ scandal, Tonda Eckert is looking to reinforce his backline ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline, with his side recording just the joint-fifth best defensive record in the league last term.
|
Ranking |
Club |
Goals conceded |
|
1. |
Coventry City |
45 |
|
2. |
Ipswich Town |
47 |
|
2. |
Middlesbrough |
47 |
|
4. |
Millwall |
49 |
|
5. |
Southampton |
56 |
|
5. |
Norwich City |
56 |
|
5. |
Birmingham City |
56 |
|
5. |
Stoke City |
56 |
|
5. |
Blackburn Rovers |
56 |
However, while Eckert will be hoping to get off to the best possible start on the pitch, as he looks to overturn a four-point deduction, work is carrying on behind the scenes to bring in new reinforcements, and Ahmedhodzic has emerged as a target.
The 27-year-old made his breakthrough at Nottingham Forest, before going on to spend time with Malmo FF, Bordeaux, Hobro IK, Sheffield United and Feyenoord, where he made 36 appearances in all competitions last season.
In the Eredivisie, the Bosnian averaged 8.1 defensive contributions per 90, which was the second-highest number in the squad, while he also ranked in second place for accurate passes per 90, averaging 54.1, showcasing his ability in possession.
Moreover, the ex-Sheffield United man is proven in the Championship, having made 38 appearances for the Blades during the regular season of the 2024-25 season, before they went on to lose the play-off final against Sunderland.
As such, the centre-back, who has been described as “dominant” by scout Ben Mattinson, could be a shrewd addition for a Championship side with ambitions of achieving promotion this season, and the Saints are now ramping up their interest.
Southampton make approach to sign Anel Ahmedhodzic
In a post on X, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Southampton have now made contact to sign Ahmedhodzic, who could be in line to leave Feyenoord after just one year in the Netherlands.
However, Eckert’s side aren’t alone in the race for the defender’s signature.
The Feyenoord defender, who has 24 caps to his name for Bosnia & Herzegovina, remains under contract with the Dutch side until 2029, and his current employers are willing to sanction a sale for just £5m this summer.
However, the Saints may have to fend off rival interest from Sheffield United, who are keen on bringing the defender back to Bramall Lane, and Ahmedhodzic is open to joining his former club.