Southampton interested in 24-year-old League One ace – Should Hasenhuttl go ahead and sign him?

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Rohan Sengupta

Why Southampton must take a gamble on Oxford United’s Rob Dickie

According to Football Insider (h/t Derby Telegraph), Southampton are interested in signing Oxford United defender Rob Dickie.

Rob Dickie, 24, has impressed for Oxford United this season, making 34 appearances so far. The defender has been vital in Oxford’s rise to third in League One and they are now one of the favourites to get promoted to the Championship.

The report (h/t Derby Telegraph) adds that Leeds United and Burnley also are keeping tabs on Dickie, who is under contract at the Kassam Stadium until the summer of 2021.

Rob Dickie in action for Oxford United. (Image credit: Google)
Rob Dickie in action for Oxford United. (Image credit: Google)

Speaking about Southampton, they have recovered mightily after the 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Leicester City in October 2019. The Saints were then flirting with relegation and even though they have won just once in their last five league games, they are seven points above the drop zone.

The Saints have been woeful at the back, conceding a staggering 52 goals in 29 games. In fact, they have the second joint-worst defensive record in the Premier League, with none of the central defenders such as Jan Bednarek, Jack Stephens or Jannik Vestergaard performing consistently.

They have conceded 10 goals in the last five league games, so Ralph Hasenhuttl should prioritise solving Southampton’s defensive woes during the summer transfer window. Consistency is key to success and Hasenhuttl should sign a couple of quality defenders to compete next season. One of them has to be Rob Dickie.

Shane Long of Southampton is challenged by Ben Mee of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary's Stadium on February 15, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)
Shane Long of Southampton is challenged by Ben Mee of Burnley during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on February 15, 2020 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Getty Images)

Dickie came through the ranks of Reading’s youth system and featured for Cheltenham and Lincoln City on loan earlier in his career. He then moved to Oxford United in 2018 and has been a regular member under manager Karl Robinson.

The 24-year-old made 49 appearances across all competitions last season, scoring a goal. This term, he has made 45 appearances so far, registering a goal and four assists in the process. Dickie also has international pedigree, having represented England at U18 and U19 level. The centre-back has shown this year that he’s too good for League One football.

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Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl celebrates with his players. (Getty Images)
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl celebrates with his players. (Getty Images)

The Englishman has featured regularly in the Football League One for the last two seasons and has developed himself into a fine centre-back. At Southampton, Dickie would bring some much-needed freshness and depth to the squad. He is only 24 and under Hasenhuttl’s guidance, he can develop well.

Verdict

Dickie has been a very impressive performer for Oxford this season, so much so that even Burnley and Leeds have been eyeing him up. However, there’s no guarantee he can make the big leap into the Premier League. Thus, the 24-year-old Englishman will be a gamble but worth taking for the Saints.