Southampton set £21m price for star attracting top-flight interest | OneFootball

Hoffenheim are among the clubs eyeing a possible move for Caspar Jander this summer

Southampton have earned their place in the mix for a top six finish in the Championship this season.

Tonda Eckert’s side have played their way to within one position of the play-offs after an initially quite difficult first half of the campaign.

Will Still took charge of the first team squad in the summer, but he was replaced in November due to poor results.

Eckert was initially appointed on an interim basis, but an uptick in form led to him staying on as the permanent replacement.

The Hampshire outfit are seeking an immediate return to the Premier League after coming 20th in the top flight table last season.

The Saints are unbeaten in their last seven games, including winning on five occasions, which has put them four points behind Wrexham in sixth.

Hoffenheim target Caspar Jander move

According to Sky Sports Germany, Hoffenheim have joined the race to sign Caspar Jander this summer.

The midfielder arrived at Southampton last summer from Nuremberg in a deal worth a reported £10.4 million.

The 22-year-old’s performances this season have attracted a lot of transfer interest ahead of the upcoming window, which has led to the club setting an asking price of between €20 and 25 (£17.4 and 21.8) million.

Jander agreed to a four-year deal when he arrived at St. Mary’s last summer, meaning he is under contract until June 2029, which will give the Championship side a strong negotiating position.

Hoffenheim will face competition from Bundesliga rivals Stuttgart and RB Leipzig, as well as Dutch giants Ajax.

The German has impressed in the Championship, establishing himself as a key figure for Southampton this season.

The midfielder has made 29 appearances in the league, including 26 starts, contributing two goals while also adding defensive solidity.

Jander’s performances are attracting a lot of interest, with the Saints in pursuit of promotion back to the Premier League.

It remains to be seen whether the player will push for a move in the summer, with the possibility of top flight football on the cards at St. Mary’s.

Southampton are seventh in the table, four points behind sixth-place Wrexham with 11 games still to play.

The Saints gained promotion through the play-offs in 2024, beating Leeds United in the final, but were unable to re-establish themselves in the division long-term.

Next up for Eckert’s side is an FA Cup fifth round clash away to Fulham on 8 March in a 12pm kick-off.

Promotion could be key to Southampton keeping Caspar Jander

Jander has been a positive influence on the team this season, and has proven a solid signing for Southampton.

An asking price of £17 to 21 million could lead to the club doubling their money after just 12 months, if a deal at that figure actually does come to fruition, which would be good business.

But if Southampton can gain promotion, then that will only further strengthen their negotiating position as they will be able to offer top flight football.

However, Hoffenheim, Stuttgart and Leipzig are all in the mix for Champions League qualification, which would be another step up altogether, and would be a very tempting proposition for someone like Jander.