Nicolas Jackson in action for Villarreal
Southampton are reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Villarreal winger Nicolas Jackson.
The Lowdown: More signings to come?
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently claimed that Southampton could make two or three more signings before the transfer window shuts, and shared that Jackson was one player that they were looking at.
They have already made two new signings in the form of Mislav Orsic and Carlos Alcaraz, as Nathan Jones looks to bolster his squad for the second part of the season, where they go into a Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United, and fight for survival in the Premier League.
The Latest: Jackson talks
Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth says that the Saints are in ‘advanced talks’ to sign Jackson, although there is ‘work to do’ on the deal, which could cost up to €25m (£22m):
“Southampton in advanced talks with Villarreal over signing of forward Nicolas Jackson. Work to do on deal worth €25m. Jackson has started 8 league games this season but hasn’t featured in the squad for any of Villarreal’s last 4 games in all competitions.”
The Verdict: Get it done!
Southampton need all the help in attacking areas that they can get, given that they have only managed to score 17 goals in their opening 20 games in the Premier League, the fourth-fewest in the division.
Jackson has managed three goals and three assists in 24 matches in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt), and ranks in the 88th percentile of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues in the past year for progressive passes per game, as well as in the 84th for assists, while he also does his defensive duties well, ranking in the 87th percentile for blocks and 82nd percentile for interceptions per match (FBRef).
Dubbed ‘the new Sadio Mane‘ by sections of the media, and a player with ‘bags of potential‘ by journalist Ashley Preece, the 21-year-old is thought of very highly, and would be a welcome addition at St. Mary’s Stadium.
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