Southampton FC is actively pursuing a deal to sign winger Morgan Guilavogui from French club Lens during the January transfer window. Reports from the German outlet Bild indicate that the Saints face competition from Guilavogui’s former club, St Pauli, as both teams seek to bolster their attacking options. With the transfer deadline set for February 2, 2024, Southampton is eager to enhance their squad in hopes of achieving promotion to the Premier League.
Despite Southampton’s interest, their initial offer for the 27-year-old has been rejected. Lens is reportedly holding firm on their asking price of €4 million (approximately £3.5 million). The pressure is mounting on manager Tonda Eckert as the team currently sits in 15th place in the Championship, trailing eight points behind the playoff positions after 26 matches.
Guilavogui has made 15 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, starting three times and scoring once. His performance at Lens has been underwhelming compared to his previous season, where he excelled during a loan spell in Germany, netting six goals and providing two assists in 25 matches.
Competition for Guilavogui Heightens
As Southampton aims to strengthen its attacking line-up, they are contending not only with St Pauli but also with the need to make strategic financial decisions. Given Guilavogui’s age—he will turn 28 in just a few months—there are considerations regarding the long-term value of such an investment. The club may find a loan deal to be a more prudent approach, allowing them to assess the player’s fit without committing a substantial transfer fee.
The urgency for Southampton to act is compounded by their current league position. With an upcoming match against seventh-place Hull City on January 17, 2024, the Saints need to improve their attacking options to climb the Championship table. Adding Guilavogui could provide valuable competition, as he is capable of playing both as a forward and on the wing, offering versatility that Eckert might find beneficial.
With the transfer window closing soon, Southampton FC must navigate a challenging landscape to secure the players necessary for a successful second half of the season. The club’s ambitions for promotion to the Premier League hinge on their ability to make impactful signings, and Guilavogui’s situation presents both an opportunity and a challenge as they look to reinvigorate their squad.
