Waiting until the 11th hour of the English transfer deadline, Southampton took it to the absolute limit to secure their fourth signing of the summer. Needing to use an extension sheet to get the deal across the finish line, the Saints kept their supporters on the edge of their seats. Thanks to this though, Southampton managed to secure the signing of 20-year-old centre-back Kevin Danso from German side Augsburg.
Southampton Sign Centre-Back Kevin Danso
Saints Take it to the Limit in Signing Kevin Danso
Following the closure of the English transfer deadline, many Southampton supporters assumed that the club had concluded their business. Throughout the summer, Southampton had already added Moussa Djenepo, Che Adams, and Danny Ings. With a lack of player sales, many believed that the Saints had already concluded their summer business.
However, that expectation quickly became undone. First, the club announced that it had sold Charlie Austin to English Championship side West Bromwich Albion. Following this announcement however, things went quiet. Too quiet for most. Speculation was abound as the five-o’clock hour neared. Still though, nothing was announced. That was until right after the transfer window slammed shut. Almost immediately after, multiple reports emerged that Southampton had indeed filed an extension sheet.
Just under two hours after the window had officially closed, news finally broke that Southampton had got their man. Confirming the news, Southampton announced that they had signed Kevin Danso. Overall, the news was truly great for a Saints side in desperate need of defensive assistance.
Southampton’s Long Sought After Centre-Back
Entering the summer, one area of concern for this Southampton side was their ability at the back. Despite having both Jannik Vestergaard and Jan Bednarek, questions quickly arose about the team’s backline. With Ralph Hasenhuttl seemingly in favour of a three-at-the-back approach, the side would require a third centre-back option.
Overall, the choices were not great. Both Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt are well below Premier League quality. Meanwhile, Maya Yoshida is ageing and can’t be counted on as a constant first-team starter anymore. Because of this, many a question was asked this summer about the future of the Southampton backline.
However, with the signing of Kevin Danso, Southampton finally have their long sought after third option. The 20-year-old Austrian joins the Saints with a stellar background. Appearing in 21-matches for FC Augsburg last season, the centre-back has made a total of 41-appearances in the German top-flight over the last three seasons.
The biggest plus about Danso though is how well he fits with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s plans. Wanting young players that he could grow and develop, Danso is the prototypical Hasenhuttl signing. Throw in his experience in the Bundesliga and Danso could be an amazing and game-changing signing for the Saints.
Main Photo
