Why Southampton need to win the race for Jordan D’Ambrosio
The Wales Online have revealed that both Cardiff City and Southampton are about to battle Barcelona for highly-rated youngster, Jordan D’Ambrosio. The 18-year-old is a free agent at the moment after rejecting former club Sochaux, which means that any side can snap him up whenever they want and thus don’t need to pay attention to the transfer deadline.
However, for Ralph Hasenhuttl and his Southampton side, they need Jordan D’Ambrosio more than any other side chasing after him. Because if nothing else, the teenager represents something for their future which may or may not exist in the Premier League at the end of this season. While things are looking up for the Saints, it can change in an instant and despite losing just two of their last seven games, they still sit in 17th position and are a mere two points off the drop zone.
The 18-year-old Jordan D’Ambrosio however, won’t be a short-term solution to their problems but by signing him, the Saints will effectively ensure their goals for the future. Because if there is one thing that D’Ambrosio can do, it’s score goals and score good goals. While the Frenchman is currently a free-agent, that hasn’t stopped him from attracting attention from the likes of PSG, Sevilla and even Southampton themselves.
However, in the end for both sides, a move to St. Mary’s Stadium makes the most sense especially given the Saint’s propensity towards promoting youth. The likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and so many others all made their debuts in the Premier League well before they turned 18 years old, which shows just how highly the Premier League side value their youngsters.
But given the lure of La Masia and Barcelona, things could get complicated if the interest from Barcelona is actually true. The La Liga giants have already snapped up one young French starlet in Jean-Clair Todibo, claims the Standard and with Luis Suarez ageing, the club believes that Jordan D’Ambrosio could be his long-term replacement.
However, if Southampton does manage to convince the 18-year-old starlet that the road to first-team football is much shorter with them than anywhere else, then they get their man. And given their history, there is a great chance that the highly rated youngster turns into someone really good, and if Jordan D’Ambrosio thrives in the Premier League, he can do it anywhere else.
