If recent reports are to be believed, then Southampton could find themselves without a first-team manager in the near future, with it suggested that European giants Bayern Munich could consider the Austrian to take over from Hans Dieter-Flick.
German news outlet TZ (via Sport Witness), list Hasenhuttl as the second favourite to take over from Flick this summer, as the current boss is unlikely to be at the Allianz Arena next season after seeing his side crash out of the Champions League at the hands of PSG earlier this week.
Julian Nagelsmann is their favourite to take over at Die Roten this summer, although Hasenhuttl's previous experience in Germany as both a manager and a player could work in his favour, although his lack of silverware could also see Bayern turn to a more successful manager.
However, if Bayern do consider a move for the 53-year-old manager this summer, then he could definitely have his head swayed, which could prove disastrous for Southampton.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/southampton-saints-ralph-hasenhuttl-martin-semmens-st-marys" title="Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more"]
The South Coast club have shown clear signs of progress under the Austrian and have come a long way since their relegation woes at the start of last season, although their recent poor form in the Premier League has arguably undone what was a record-breaking start to the season from the Saints, as they topped the league in November after a win against Newcastle United.
A pre-season poll from The Athletic revealed that Southampton fans were the most optimistic ahead of the new season and a lot of that is down to the positivity that Hasenhuttl brings to the club, so it would be a huge blow to the project they are trying to build if he were to leave the club for Bayern this summer.
Hasenhuttl is not just revered by the fans, however, as he has earned a lot of plaudits from players and managers alike due to the style of football he has implemented at Southampton, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola full of praise for him earlier in the season, saying:
"Southampton have an exceptional manager."
Southampton chairman Gao Jisheng will surely be keen to avoid losing the Austrian this summer, as unless an impressive replacement is brought in, it would not be a surprise to see key players follow him out of the door.
[freshpress-quiz id=“594431"]
Therefore, the Saints will be desperately hoping that Bayern don't make an official approach for Hasenhuttl this summer, as it is difficult to see the Austrian staying if the current Champions League holders did offer him a deal.
And, in other news... Southampton could sign their next Van Dijk in wonderkid destined for "big things"