In the winter transfer window, we covered claims from Belgium that Southampton are interested in signing Joakim Maehle of Genk.
On deadline day, Het Belang van Limburg reported the Saints had submitted a €11.5m bid in order to secure the services of the Denmark international.
However, Southampton’s offer was turned down by the Jupiler Pro League outfit.
The right-back joined Genk from Danish club Aalborg BK in 2017 and after spending over two years with the club, he was open to the idea of swapping Genk for the Premier League club.
Unfortunately for him, the two clubs could not agree a fee and he continued with his current employer.
Danish publication BT claims Maehle is considered as one of the best defenders in the Belgian league and they have also gathered comments made by the player about interest from Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side in January.
Regarding Southampton’s interest, he said: “I know it was very concrete – but I really don’t know how close it was. The club wouldn’t sell. And I have no idea how much more was needed before they would sell.”
When further question if he was ready to move to Southampton this winter? Maehle explained: “I don’t know if you can say I was clear or unclear.”
“But, it is certain that there was a lot of interest from Southampton. Hopefully there will be a chance, and then we will see what happens. “
“I’m not on the track to make a summer shift. But there is no doubt that if there is any interest that I feel might be right for me, then I will look twice at it.”
