According to Sportsmail (via Daily Mail), Southampton are plotting a move for Olympiacos star Omar Elabdellaoui.
The right-back is already gaining a reputation in the Greek top flight, and Ralph Hasenhuttl is keen to shore up his defensive options in the ongoing January transfer window, so the Saints might make a bid in the coming days.
But, is he a viable transfer target for the Saints?
Omar Elabdellaoui: Player profile
Elabdellaoui was with the Manchester City academy during the early days of professional career.
The Norwegian was also a part of Marco Silva’s failed attempt to keep Hull City in the top flight during the second half of the 2016/17 campaign and after their eventual relegation, he was sent back to Olympiacos the following summer.
Elabdellaoui is generally considered as an attack-minded fullback, who likes to drive on the wide areas. He is excellent with the ball at his feet and often looks for teammates in and around the final third.
Playing neat forward passes is arguably Elabdellaoui’s biggest strength as he does have a tendency of being very direct. His excellent control of the ball also allows him to keep possession under pressure, which is a useful trait for any modern day fullback.
On the flip side, the 27-year-old often struggles when it comes to defending, as he’s normally quite easy to beat. He is also reluctant in diving into tackles, which can be either good or bad, depending on the situation.
In addition, Elabdellaoui’s short stature of 1.79m is a disadvantage when it comes to aerial duels.
Elabdellaoui is a good option for Southampton
Lack of resources in the full-back department is a definite weakness for Southampton at the moment as they only have three viable options available, one of whom is currently injured.
Therefore, the addition of Elabdellaoui would provide Hasenhuttl with some much-needed depth in the defensive department as he looks ahead to the second half of the campaign.
But on a more important note, the 27-year-old is an attack-minded fullback, who can easily fit in Hasenhuttl’s aggressive gameplay.
The Austrian tactician often uses full-backs who can make overlapping runs in behind the opposition defence and Elabdellaoui, in that regard, could be the perfect fit.