Southampton join AFC Bournemouth in race to sign €10m-rated forward | OneFootball

Southampton are among a host of clubs keen on Karlsruher forward Louey Ben Farhat, with the Bundesliga II side open to a sale for €10m.

Southampton are among a host of clubs in Europe keen on a deal for Karlsruher forward Louey Ben Farhat after his impressive performances in Germany.

It has been a chaotic summer for Saints as they continue to deal with the fallout from spygate, which ended their chances of promotion last season, but with the club sticking by boss Tonda Eckert, they are trying to focus on the upcoming campaign.

Action Images

Once again, returning to the Premier League will be the aim, even if Southampton are starting with a four-point penalty as part of their punishment from the EFL.

To do that, it’s clear that a few tweaks are needed to help the squad, particularly as the Championship is looking extremely competitive this season.

Southampton interested in signing Karlsruher’s Louey Ben Farhat

It would appear that bringing in attacking reinforcements is a priority for Eckert, and, according to Sky Germany Transfer Centre (19:55), Saints are in the mix to sign Ben Farhat.

The Tunisian international is regarded as a very exciting talent after his displays in Bundesliga II, with the youngster scoring six times in 20 games last season.

That has put him on the radar of a host of clubs, with the update confirming that Frankfurt have already agreed personal terms with the player, but their initial offer has fallen below Karlsruher’s €10m valuation of Ben Farhat.

Interestingly, that bid was believed to have been submitted in 'recent weeks', and the Bundesliga outfit have yet to return with a fresh move for Ben Farhat.

So, that could allow other clubs to steal a march on Frankfurt, with Lille, Salzburg and Bournemouth also believed to be keeping tabs on the attacker, along with Southampton.

Louey Ben Farhat would be an exciting signing for Southampton

If you look at Ben Farhat’s goal record, some Southampton fans may be underwhelmed, as six goals in 20 games last season is hardly amazing, especially in the second division.

But, the calibre of clubs chasing the youngster demonstrates how highly-rated he is in the game, and Eckert’s knowledge of German football will no doubt have been instrumental in this pursuit.

Action Images

Given his age and potential, this would be a real coup for Saints if they could get it over the line, and Ben Farhat would bring different qualities to the XI.

Firstly, he is capable of playing in different attacking roles, and he could thrive playing off a big man like Cyle Larin.

Then, in terms of his attributes, Ben Farhat is someone who can carry the ball well, he is intelligent with his movement, and he is willing to take risks in the final third to make things happen.

So, even if Southampton had to pay €10m, it could turn out to be shrewd business, especially in the long-term when you consider his age.

Clearly, the level of clubs that are also keen make this a difficult transfer to conclude for the Championship side, but perhaps the one advantage they have over some others is that there is a clear route to the first-team for Ben Farhat.

The chance to play week in, week out in the second tier in England could help his development, and Eckert’s ability to improve individuals is also a factor.

So, this is one to monitor, but it should encourage Southampton fans that they are looking for a new attacker, as it’s an area they must strengthen before the deadline.