Southampton open talks with Gent over transfer of talented young forward | OneFootball

Sacha Tavolieri is reporting that Southampton have opened talks with Gent over the signing of Mattias Fernanez-Pardo. According to Tavolieri, Gent are not looking to sell the young forward, having already rejected an offer from Lazio of around €10m. However, Southampton are keen and are hoping that they can strike a deal with Gent that will see the striker join the Saints for the upcoming Premier League season.

Fernandez-Pardo had a real breakout season during the play-offs in 2023/2024. The 19-year-old was given more game time after the departures of Malick Fofana, Gift Orban and Hugo Cuypers. The striker scored an impressive eight goals in 15 games for the side, with seven of those coming during the play-offs. Fernandez-Pardo is eligible to represent both Belgium and Spain and has been capped by the former at multiple youth levels. Gent still have the teenager under contract until 2026 so are under no pressure to sell just yet.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson