Southampton’s initial bid of £7 million for Jordy Clasie has been accepted by Feyenoord. The midfielder is set to undergo a medical at Southampton on Thursday.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has long anticipated the transfer of midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin to a bigger club and began scouting replacements early on. Gianelli Imbula was considered until he signed a five-year deal with Porto, leaving Clasie as the number one target.
Now, with the transfer of Morgan Schneiderlin to Manchester United for £24 million, Clasie will serve as his replacement.
The 24-year-old has had experience working under Koeman at Feyenoord, making 129 Eredivisie appearances under the Dutchman. He praised the manager when he left for the Premier League in 2014, saying the 52-year-old “basically raised” him.
Koeman also commented on why he chose to target Clasie:
“He’s a good player, a young player and a Dutch international who is ready to make a step up and show his qualities at a higher level than we have in the Dutch league.
“He’s growing in his leadership qualities too and, if Morgan goes, we’ll need a player in that position. He is one of them [on the list of replacements].”
The deal for Clasie, who graduated from the youth academy at Feyenoord, could cost Southampton up to £8.5 million. The Dutch international’s arrival at St. Mary’s is expected to be confirmed this week following his medical.
