Southampton eyeing €12m-rated La Liga defender to replace Aston Villa-bound star | OneFootball

Southampton are targeting Austrian international and Elche defender David Affengruber as Taylor Harwood-Bellis' replacement

Southampton are eyeing up their replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with the once-capped England international on his way to Aston Villa, as Elche's David Affengruber has entered the Saints' radar.

With the summer deadline right around the corner, Southampton are looking to wrap up some key business, as, according to Sacha Tavolieri via X, the Saints are eyeing Austrian international and Elche defender David Affengruber as a replacement for the outgoing Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Harwood-Bellis will join Premier League outfit Aston Villa for around £30 million, as Tonda Eckert looks to the La Liga outfit to source his replacement in the form of Affengruber.

Southampton eye Elche's David Affengruber to replace the outgoing Taylor Harwood-Bellis

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Southampton haven't had one of the busiest summer windows of clubs in the Championship by any stretch of the imagination, but as the deadline fast approaches, things are beginning to heat up around St Mary's.

Daniel Peretz, George Long, and Cyle Larin penned permanent deals on the English South Coast after successful loans, whilst Lewis Dobbin, Divin Mubama, Keven Schlotterbeck, and James Ward-Prowse have all signed in recent weeks.

Harwood-Bellis, 24, has missed Southampton's last two league games as he tries to force through a move to Aston Villa, which now appears to have come to fruition, as Eckert will need a replacement for the former Manchester City defender despite the recent addition of Schlotterbeck.

That player appears to be Affengruber, 25, with Tavolieri reporting that Elche are hoping for around €12 million (£10.2 million) for the Austrian, though a deal could be reached for around €10 million (£8.5 million).

Southampton had shown an interest in Norwegian defender Henrik Falchener, but having seen multiple bids knocked back by Viking, have now seemingly turned their attentions to Affengruber.

Why Southampton want Austriand defender David Affengruber

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Having come through the ranks of the prestigious RB Salzburg, Affengruber made just six first-team appearances for the Austrian powerhouses, instead playing predominantly for their reserve side FC Liefering, before enjoying his breakthrough with Sturm Graz.

The powerful centre-back would spend three years in Graz before joining Spanish side Elche in 2024, then in the second tier, helping the club to be promoted back to La Liga, where he has since made 84 appearances across all competitions for the Alicante-based outfit.

Affengruber has remained one of the first names on Elche's team sheet ever since his arrival, and his performances at club level saw him called up for Austria's squad for the recent World Cup in North America, though he failed to play a single minute at the tournament.

Now, the 25-year-old, who is more than capable of playing out from the back and playing a major role in the initial build-up phase, could be ready to take the next step in his career, as Southampton are readying an offer to bring the defender to England.

How have Southampton fans reacted to the possibility of David Affengruber's arrival?

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With the news of interest in Affengruber coming to the fore, Southampton supporters have taken to social media to share their thoughts and opinions on the situation.

Affengruber has become popular amongst Elche fans ever since he arrived in Spain due to his performances from the back and consistency in the side, something Southampton fans will hope to get a taste of if he does sign.

This Saints supporter is more than aware of Affengruber from their time in Spain, and fully backs this move.

Indeed, the Falchener deal appears to now be on the back burner, with Affengruber now the primary target.

Affengruber's Elche contract expires in the summer of 2027, so for that sort of fee, it would appear to be steep, but if he can live up to the hype, Southampton could have a bargain on their hands.