Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group G - Cameroon v Brazil - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 2, 2022 Cameroon's Karl Toko Ekambi in action with Brazil's Dani Alves and Antony REUTERS/Paul Childs
Southampton now also ‘want to sign’ 2022 World Cup forward Karl Toko Ekambi amid their heavy links to Villarreal star Nicolas Jackson, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Saints closing in on Jackson?
Various reports in the last 48 hours have linked Jackson with a move to St. Mary’s Stadium as reliable outlets like The Athletic claim they edging closer to an agreement for the player.
The Saints, as also reported by 90min, are currently locked in talks for the 21-year-old as manager Nathan Jones attempts to add to his roster and steer his side away from Premier League relegation.
Southampton currently lie at the foot of the table and more transfer additions are arguably very needed, especially in the forward areas given they’re among the division’s lowest scoring sides.
Alongside Jackson, it now appears they have their eye on in-demand Cameroon forward and Lyon attacker Ekambi.
The Latest: Southampton enter Ekambi race…
Taking to Twitter, journalist Fabrice Hawkins claims the south coast side ‘want to sign’ Ekambi with Saudi side Al Shabab and Rennes also in the mix.
He explained:
“Karl Toko-Ekambi is not closed to the idea of leaving Lyon. Southampton want to sign him. Al Shabab (A.Saudi) is there too. Lyon will ask for at least 4M€ in case of sale. KTE is coming to the end of the contract in a year and a half. Rennes is interested on loan for 6 months.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
The 30-year-old, called up for Cameroon for last month’s tournament, has also been in fairly solid form for Lyon without setting the world alight.
As per WhoScored, Ekambi has four goals and two assists in 19 appearances this season in Ligue 1 whilst ranking in their top five for shots at goal and key passes made per 90.
In terms of dribbles, this looks like the player’s key strength, currently sitting joint-top of Lyon’s charts for successful take-ons per 90.
Southampton’s attraction to Ekambi could also be down to his versatility given he can play both further forward and deeper as an attacking midfielder.
Hawkins also states he is open to the idea of leaving Lyon, making this move a potentially do-able one when it comes to personal terms.
About the Author
