Meet Joshua Quarshie: The 6’5 Defender Southampton Believe Can Anchor Their Future | OneFootball

Southampton are set to sign Joshua Quarshie from TSG Hoffenheim for €3.5 million. The young defender will likely be an unknown quantity to many English football fans, so here is everything you need to know.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the German has already completed his medical. However, who is he, and what does his signing suggest about the future transfers under the newly appointed Will Still and Johannes Spors?

Who Is Joshua Quarshie?

Standing at an imposing 6 feet 5 inches, the German has established himself as a promising talent in European football with his strong physical presence and defensive ability. Born in Duisburg, Germany, the 20-year-old has represented his country at various youth international levels. His versatility and potential make him a valuable addition to the south coast side.

Joshua Quarshie’s professional journey began with TSG Hoffenheim, where he signed on July 16th, 2022, after progressing through youth academies such as FC Schalke 04, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Rot-Weiss Essen. He made his Bundesliga debut on November 9th, 2022, as a late substitute during a 2–1 loss to Wolfsburg. Promoted to Hoffenheim’s first team in August 2023, he fell victim to limited playing time, prompting a loan move to Fortuna Düsseldorf shortly after, in January 2024.

He featured in 16 matches there, but a calf injury in March and inconsistent game time led to the early termination of the loan in January 2025. On January 28th, Quarshie joined SpVgg Greuther Fürth on loan, where he became a regular starter, making 15 appearances – 13 of which were full 90-minute outings.

Is He A Good Fit For Southampton?

The German shows strong defensive fundamentals and physical dominance, which are well suited to the demands of the Championship and Will Still’s defensively organised setup. He averages 26.1 defensive actions per 90, demonstrating consistent involvement in breaking up play and maintaining shape. His 58.2% success rate in defensive duels is solid, while his 78.5% aerial duel win rate is standout, making him a reliable presence in both open play and set-piece situations. These traits are particularly valuable in a league where direct, physical play is common.

Stats by DataMB

His ability to carry the ball forward is relatively impressive for a central defender. With 17.8 progressive carries per 90, Quarshie shows a clear willingness to step into space and break lines with the ball at his feet. This can be particularly useful when facing mid or low blocks, giving Southampton an extra tool to initiate attacks from deep without relying solely on midfielders.

His age (20) also means he has plenty of development potential, and Will Still’s track record with young players aligns well with that trajectory. Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov is a prime example, as he was trained and developed into a comfortable ball-playing defender by Still at Lens within a short period, initiating interest from some of the best clubs in the world.

While on loan, he also recorded the fastest sprint speed in the 2. Bundesliga, reaching an impressive 37.04 km/h—surpassing winger Kamaldeen Sulemana’s top speed of 35.7 km/h at the 2022 World Cup.

Potential Improvements To His Game

On the ball, Quarshie is still developing into the type of proactive passer expected in a control-based system. His 33.7 passes per 90 are quite low for a centre-back, especially in teams that aim to dominate the ball, and only 24.3% of those are forward passes. This suggests he currently leans toward safer and sideways options rather than breaking lines. While he does average 8.5 progressive passes per 90, this will have to improve if he’s to meet the demands of Will Still’s controlled buildup style, where centre-backs play an active role in advancing possession.

These numbers imply he may need time and coaching to adapt to higher-tempo, ball-dominant football. Southampton’s system will ask more of him in terms of composure under pressure, decision-making, and forward distribution, areas where his current data shows he’s not yet at a high level.

Will He Start?

While it may be too early to see if he’s ready for a starting role, his attributes suggest he’s better suited to the left-sided centre-back position. Comfortable on both feet and with previous experience at left-back, he offers balance and natural positioning on the left side of defence. His versatility and technical comfort could strengthen the Saints’ back line and provide a progressive outlet for a more natural build-up.

What Does This Signing Mean For The Saints’ Future Recruitment?

Sporting Director Johannes Spors has already made his intentions clear for the future of Southampton’s recruitment. Recruiting the likes of Mariela Nisotaki (former Norwich assistant head of recruitment), Elliot Stapley and even Football Manager creator ‘RDF Tactics’ as a video scout. An unorthodox method yet it demonstrates that the German values different perspectives in his recruitment departments for the multi-club model.

Since the beginning of his tenure at the Saints, Spors has emphasised the profile of players he wants, revealing:

This move suggests future signings will likely target similar profiles: young, affordable talents with resale potential, particularly from European leagues where Spors has connections. According to the Daily Echo, Spors is also set to hire Hoffenheim’s youth squad planner, 36-year-old Tim Lederer, to be his new head of scouting.

Having previously worked with Quarshie, Lederer’s imminent move to the Saints may have had a large impact on the 20-year-old’s transfer, proving already beneficial.

Joshua Quarshie may not be a marquee signing, but his profile fits Southampton’s long-term blueprint: a mix of athleticism, technical potential, and future resale profit. While he may take time to settle and develop into a key figure, his signing marks a bold and forward-thinking direction under the new leadership.

Southampton fans should see this as a step in the right direction – one that prioritises smart planning, youth development, and a modern footballing philosophy.