Southampton could be set to sign an upcoming young talent from French side Valenciennes
Sport Republic, the team’s owners, may be considering the teenage defender for a summer arrival at St. Mary’s, according to Foot Mercato.
The French team is owned by Sport Republic, who may be able to improve their financial status by approving the center-back’s transfer to the Championship team.
The highly regarded 17-year-old was named captain of the France U17 team that advanced to the World Cup final earlier this year.
With 12 league appearances for Valenciennes this season, the youthful player has already found his way into Ligue 2. (all data via Fbref).
Because Southampton and Valenciennes hold a portion of the team through Sport Republic, a move for the talented Frenchman may be possible.
When France’s U17 squad advanced to the World Cup final at the end of the previous year, they were defeated by Germany. Kayi Sanda played for that team.
Since then, he has played frequently in the French football second level, going from strength to strength.
However, Valenciennes have had a difficult season and could drop to the third division.
Kayi Sanda may relocate to Southampton in an effort to support Valenciennes monetarily.
Additionally, it is viewed as a chance for the defender to advance in his growth.
Dayot Upamecano, who similarly rose through the Valenciennes academy’s levels to become a France international, World Cup runner-up, and two-time Bundesliga champion, has been likened to Kayi Sanda.
The young man entered the club’s academy in 2021 and made his debut in the first team in late 2023.
He made his senior league debut in a 3-3 draw with Grenoble, and throughout the course of the season, he has been progressively incorporated into the team.
If Southampton is promoted to the Premier League, they might be playing in the league the following season.
Uncertainty surrounds whether this would alter the young player’s intentions, as Sport Republic also owns the Turkish team Goztepe.
With a game remaining, Russell Martin’s team is presently ninth points outside of the automatic promotion spots in the Championship table.
The Saints are virtually guaranteed a play-off spot, which gives them another opportunity at promotion, even if they don’t finish in the top two.
Southampton is one of several English clubs that are a part of the multi-club model, which has become a major discussion point in the sport.
Even though Valenciennes is obviously having difficulties, the Saints may benefit if they recruit such a bright young player.
It’s obvious that Kayi Sanda is a highly regarded player, and given his potential, he might end up being a very interesting addition in the future.
In a few years, Southampton will have a highly promising first team player if he can finally achieve Upamecano’s level of performance.
