Brendan Rodgers has finally gotten his man. After what seemed like decades, the Irish man has finally laid his hands on the defender he has craved for a long time. Leicester’s bid for 29-year-old defender Jannik Vestergaard has been accepted by Southampton.
Fofana injury saw Leicester accelerate talks
In a pre-season friendly with Europa League champions Villarreal, Wesley Fofana suffered a horrific injury that will keep him out of action until 2022.
The 20-year-old defender had to be stretchered out after Fer Nino did himy with a horrendous tackle.
With Leicester already short at the back with several injuries and absences, Rodgers knew another defender was imperative.
Rodgers had always coveted the Dane and made moves in the past to lure him to the King Power stadium. Fofana’s injury may have come at an opportune time as the player is in the final year of his contract.
Foxes tie-up deal with the Saints
As per Dan Sheldon of The Athletic UK, Southampton have agreed to Leicester’s bid for Vestergaard. Leicester’s £15 million offer for Vestergaard was accepted on Wednesday. It was only a matter of time before Southampton capitulated as the Danish international was into the final year of his contract. An initial bid by Leicester for the defender was rebuffed, and following long talks, a fee was finally agreed.
There is the small issue of personal terms yet to be agreed, but that is not expected to stall the deal. With talks moving quite fast, the deal will be completed soon.
Saints do good business
With a fee agreed for Vestergaard, Southampton can pat themselves on the back for a job well done. The Saints won’t feel hard done by after they agreed to sell a player and almost recoup the fee they paid out on him in 2018.
The 6ft 6in defenderd 69 Premier League games for Saints plus another three as sub scoring four goals.
Vestergaard’s quick rise at Southampton
Last year, Jannik Vestergaard was down the pecking order of defensive options at Southampton. He was the 4th choice defender after the arrival of Mohammed Salisu. Things change quickly in football, and for Vestergaard, it did. He was soon back in the fold and played several games for the side. Vestergaard’s performance soon cemented his place as a first-choice defender. With undeniable quality, The Saints gaffer Ralph Hassenhuttl has always doubted the long term stay of Vestergaard at the club. He even questioned the player’s attitude to the club, accusing him and Ings of not wanting to be club legends.
For Rodgers, he may have gotten his man, but it remains to be seen how he intends to make it work. Half of his defence line will consist of players that were part of the second-worst defence in the Premier League last season.
By :
Steven D. Thompson
