Southampton FC man wanted by Juventus - it's got many Saints fans talking | OneFootball

A key Southampton executive has caught the attention of Serie A, but not all Saints fans can understand why

Southampton technical director Johannes Spors is reportedly fancied by Serie A giants Juventus, in a move that has baffled some fans of the struggling Championship outfit.

That’s according to a report from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who states that Juve are pushing for the current Saints executive, who has only been with the club since February.

Due to Southampton’s current poor form in the Championship, Spors does not have the greatest reputation inside St Mary’s, despite arriving with hefty credentials earlier this year, with their summer recruitment leaving a lot to be desired based on recent results.

And based on social media reaction, there aren’t many Saints fans who would be sad to see the 43-year-old go.

Southampton executive Johannes Spors fancied for Juventus position

Former Italian champions Juventus are undergoing a period of change after a poor start to the season sees them sitting seventh in Serie A.

Sky Sports in Switzerland revealed that Spors is among the top candidates being considered for the role, but he is not the only figure.

He arrived at Southampton in February and, working with the club and owners, Sport Republic, was key in the appointment of Will Still and this summer’s recruitment drive.

Given the club’s current 18th-placed spot in the table, and the limited impact of some of those signings Spors oversaw, there has been some bewilderment that he’s been lined up for such an elite posting, but he does have a strong reputation from his time with the likes of RB Leipzig and Genoa.

Southampton fans are not particularly worried about losing Johannes Spors

Following Tavolieri’s report, local Southern Daily Echo journalist Alfie House tweeted: “Obviously no idea if true but very funny if it is", but there is no smoke without fire in this day and age.

It was a sentiment many Saints fans were on board with, with one fan in particular saying he'll happily transport Spors to his next destination.

Another supporter believes the deal to sign Damion Downs from Koln will haunt Spors, and that it may be best if he does depart Southampton.

One Southampton fan has described the summer transfer window as a "shambles", and that it's a shock that a superpower like Juventus are said to be keen.

A differing view has been considered though, with doubts over Southampton's potential succession plan post-Spors a concern should he depart St Mary's Stadium.

Damion Downs signing could define Johannes Spors' time at Southampton

Southampton spent some significant money in the summer, bringing in the likes of Finn Azaz, Caspar Jander and Tom Fellows to Will Still's squad

But it is, without doubt, the Saints’ capture of Damion Downs that has drawn the most attention, and not for the right reasons.

The club splashed £7m on signing the former FC Koln man, with Spors sat front and centre of the 21-year-old’s signing photos.

On announcing the deal, Spors said: “Strengthening our attacking options was one of our top priorities this summer, and Damion is a player who will add real quality to the group.”

While the German-American dual national is still young and could still develop, fans are not convinced.

Under House’s tweet, Southampton fans gregvul wrote: “Unfortunately the Damion Downs signing will be what he is mostly remembered for, obviously not in a good way.”

Although Spors has only been in the job a matter of months, should he depart now, it’d be hard to argue he’s leaving the club in a better place than he left it, which is particularly disappointing considering Saints had the advantage of parachute payments on their side.

If he remains, he has got a significant job on his hands to turn his reputation among the fanbase, but a role as enticing as the one on offer at Juventus, a Champions League club, will be almost impossible to turn down.