Southampton could capture the signing of a Matt O’Riley alternative for a fraction of the price this summer.
Manager Russell Martin is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of a return to the Premier League and will be working hard alongside Southampton owners Sport Republic to identify targets.
Stuart Armstrong is confirmed to be leaving the club this summer as his contract comes to an end and the 32-year-old needs replacing in the advanced midfield position.
36-year-old veteran Adam Lallana has returned to his first club for free and will go some way to fill the Armstrong void but will need his minutes managed.
Therefore, Celtic’s Matt O’Riley has been reported as a target.
However, with Celtic slapping a £30 million price tag on the Dane, Southampton are considering a budget alternative who has impressed at Euro 2024.
Southampton ‘showing an interest’ in Timi Max Elsnik
Major international tournaments provide players with an opportunity to put themselves in the shop window for transfers.
This summer’s Euros in Germany is no different and the performances of Slovenia’s Timi Max Elsnik has seen him gain Premier League interest where he may not previously have been on clubs’ radars.
Elsnik was a key part of Slovenia’s 0-0 draw with England in the last game of Group C – which saw both sides qualify for the knockout stages – as he nullified Jude Bellingham and co.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, both Southampton and fellow promoted side Leicester City are ‘showing interest’ in a move for the Olympija Ljubljana midfielder who could be available for as little as £5.5 million this summer.
Elsnik could strengthen Southampton side for fraction of Matt O’Riley price
Elsnik showed off his defensive qualities against England as he played as part of a central midfield duo who fought bravely as underdogs against Gareth Southgate’s side.
However, the former Derby County player is better known for his attacking ability and could step into the shoes of Armstrong for what is a bargain fee for a Premier League club.
O’Riley is undoubtedly very talented and has been impressive since his £1.5 million move north of the border from MK Dons in January 2022, but £30 million would represent a huge chunk of Southampton’s summer transfer budget.
This makes Elsnik a very attractive alternative and the left-footed midfielder’s performances at Euro 2024 have demonstrated he can compete at the top level.
Whilst he has tended to operate a little deeper for his country in his 19 caps, Elsnik managed an impressive ten goals and six assists in all competitions for his club last season.
It was at Derby that Elsnik got his first professional contract and Darren Wassall, the academy director who brought him in, has spoken on the talents of the now-26-year-old.
Wassall said: “He could handle the ball, his first touch was excellent.
“We always looked for players who could play forward. He knew where the next pass was going, his left foot excellent, he hardly gave the ball away and didn’t play safe.
“He was not worried about making a mistake; creative players probably give the ball away a little bit more because they’re trying to make things happen.
“You always felt his technical ability was better at a higher level, playing with better players.”
If Southampton fans are keen to cast their eye over their potential new midfielder, Elsnik will face Portugal in the Euros round of 16 on Monday with the Slovenia players having the opportunity to secure legend status in their homeland.
