Southampton have once again been linked with a move for Real Sociedad winger Adnan Januzaj, and he could offer Ralph Hasenhuttl something completely new on the right-hand side of his team should he make the switch to St Mary's this summer.
According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), the Saints and Brighton are set to to do battle for the former Manchester United man this summer.
The report claims that, due to the Belgian winger's contract being set to expire at the end of the season, Sociedad would consider any bid of more than €8.5m (£7.3m) this summer, so he could be a very reasonable option for the Saints if they are looking to strengthen their options out wide.
It would also fit in with Hasenhuttl's plans to target players for under £10m this summer, and considering Januzaj already has plenty of experience in the Premier League from his time at Manchester United, he could be an excellent addition ahead of next season.
The 26-year-old made 63 appearances for the Red Devils during his time at Old Trafford, contributing a disappointing five goals and five assists, whilst he also struggled in loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland.
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He has subsequently found his feet in Spain, though, contributing 18 goals and 18 assists in 124 appearances for Real Sociedad, and United legend Paul Scholes shared his confusion as to why the Belgian never really made it at Old Trafford when they faced the Spanish club in the Europa League last season, saying:
“He’s been brilliant tonight. I never understood why it didn’t work out for him because he had such talent, but it didn’t.
“He’s gone on to good things and tonight he’s been excellent.
“I knew this kid had ability and he’s showing it.”
It certainly seems as if Januzaj has the ability to make a difference in the Premier League, and he could offer Hasenhuttl a very different option in his team should he join the Saints.
The Austrian currently has Stuart Armstrong, Theo Walcott and Nathan Tella as natural right-sided options in his squad, whilst Moussa Djenepo and Nathan Redmond also featured there on occasion last season.
All of these players are right-footed and all bar Armstrong struggled for regular goals and assists last season, whereas Januzaj managed four goals and five assists in just 1,011 La Liga minutes.
Therefore, to have a left-footed player on the right-hand side who can cut in and provide more of a goal threat than Southampton's current wingers could be a great option for Hasenhuttl to have next season, so the Saints should definitely consider bringing in the Real Sociedad ace.
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