Southampton are in desperate need of a makeover in defence, and Aaron Long could seemingly be the answer.
Sky Sports News are reporting Southampton have been offered the chance to sign USA and New York Red Bulls centre-back Aaron Long. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/BYYIzXv94s
— Southampton Page (@SouthamptonPage) November 17, 2019
Sky Sports News report that the Saints have been offered the chance to sign the New York Red Bulls defender in the January transfer window a few months after West Ham failed to secure the signature for the centre-back due to work permit issues.
Will Hasenhuttl go big on January signings?
Yes
No
But now the 27-year-old defender is legible to make the switch from American to the United Kingdom after raking up more international appearances for Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT side, and lots of Southampton supporters on social media were more than happy to see Long rumoured with a move to St. Mary’s.
However, Southampton face competition for Long from other clubs around Europe, with Marseille also reportedly interested in the defender this January due to his $6m (£4.5M) release clause that is seemingly still active.
Here’s what Southampton fans had to say about the possibility of Long joining the club this January, with lots of supporters eager for the MLS defender to sign…
Please, please, pick him up! A decent ball-playing defender who has both physicality and speed. Doubt that he will make the starting XI right away but is a player who can still develop over time. $6m is also a huge bargain, though.
— Daryl Gouilard (@dgouilard) November 17, 2019
Interesting thing about center back for Red Bull is that their counter pressing style puts backs in exposed 1:1 marking counter attack situations all the time, normal. He’s very quick for a big CB and, as mentioned, solid w ball at his feet. Worth a chance to see if he can hang.
— topar (@topar) November 17, 2019
Hope they go all the way for him
— Jack Brown (@JackBro24646985) November 17, 2019
The 27-year-old Red Bulls centre-back was a player Saints fans are keen on the club signing…
Can he play left back and right back?
— Steve Jones (@fleetsaints) November 17, 2019
If he can keep the ball out our End Zone then he might be half decent…. #Saintsfc
— Stephen Trott (@trotty1805) November 17, 2019
Forget his age , I’d have José Fonte back in a flash, we have proven AND potential talent in the squad but what price a leader on the pitch #COYR
— Steve Burdett-Clark (@SteveClarkCars) November 17, 2019
Long was in top form for the US over the recent international break, scoring in their 4-1 win over Canada.
