Southampton and Rangers in race to sign ex-Brighton player | OneFootball

Southampton are interested in former Brighton defender Antef Tsoungui but face competition from Rangers

Southampton are looking to bolster their defensive options before the end of the window, and have identified Estoril Praia's Antef Tsoungui as a potential addition.

According to ESPN, Southampton are interested in a move for Estoril defender Tsoungui, with Scottish outfit Rangers also plotting a move for the former Brighton and Hove Albion player.

The Belgian has impressed during his time in Portugal, and having spent over five years in Brighton's academy, counts as a home-grown option, with Southampton preparing an offer to bring him back to the English South Coast.

Southampton are interested in a move for Estoril Praia's Antef Tsoungui but face Rangers threat

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Tsoungui, 23, was born in Belgium to a Cameroon father and Italian mother, but moved to England aged four, making him eligible to represent all four aforementioned nations, as the defender would link up with Chelsea's academy before joining Brighton in 2018.

The former Belgian youth international would make just one senior appearance for the Seagulls during his time with the club, spending time out on loan with Lommel SK before joining Feyenoord permanently in 2023.

Spells on loan with Dordrecht and OH Leuven followed, before Tsoungui joined Portuguese outfit Estoril on a permanent deal last summer, making 27 appearances in all competitions last season.

ESPN reports that Estoril value the centre-back at anywhere between €5 million and €6 million (£4.3 million and £5.1 million), with French outfit Saint-Étienne having failed to agree a deal for the Belgian earlier this summer despite heavy interest.

Now, Southampton have joined the race for his signature, but face competition from Rangers, as well as other clubs across Europe, with this saga one to keep an eye on as the window progresses.

Why does Southampton want Antef Tsoungui?

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Southampton haven't had an exceptionally busy summer by other Championship teams' standards, but things could heat up at St Mary's in the final two weeks of the window.

Star defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis was the subject of interest from Benfica recently, as Premier League outfit Aston Villa have seen a fresh bid rejected for the once-capped England international, with an exit before the September deadline a very real possibility.

Football League World's Southampton fan pundit, Louis Harris, has previously described Harwood-Bellis as 'instrumental ', as replacing the 24-year-old will be a near-impossible task for the Saints.

Tsoungui, whilst not quite at the same level as Harwood-Bellis at this stage, has shown signs that he could reach that level one day, having seriously impressed in Portugal.

The centre-back stood out in the Estoril back line, and whilst his game certainly needs some ironing out if he is going to regularly compete at the top level, Southampton believe he can become a regular fixture in their back line.

The fact he has already spent the bulk of his career on the English South Coast will already help matters, as for a reported fee of between €5 million and €6 million (£4.3 million and £5.1 million), Southampton shouldn't struggle to stump up that money.

Tonda Eckert will be keen on further additions at Southampton before the end of the window amid Antef Tsoungui link

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With Tsoungui linked, it's clear to see Southampton are keen to add another centre-back to their ranks before the window slams shut, regardless of whether Harwood-Bellis stays or not.

Anel Ahmedhodzic was linked with a move to St Mary's, but has since joined Burnley on a permanent transfer, as Eckert weighs up his options at the heart of Southampton's defence.

Tsoungui wouldn't break the bank, and would add another option to the likes of Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood, and Joshua Quarshire in their back line.

A replacement for the outgoing Shea Charles will still be a priority before the end of the summer, as Eckert has a busy couple of weeks ahead of him in the market.