Southampton exit labelled as ‘most surprising transfer’ – Club has ‘affordable’ purchase option

Southampton allowed Wesley Hoedt to complete a loan move to Antwerp on the deadline day of the European transfer window.

Ralph Hasenhüttl’s arrival at South Coast club last December has seen the centre-back’s playing time restricted, which is why the Saints manager allowed him to join Celta Vigo on a temporary deal in January.

Since returning to St Mary’s Stadium, the 25-year-old was told he is not included in the Austrian coach’s plans for this season and he has not featured for the Premier League club this season.

The Dutchman stressed his desire to play regularly was one of the reasons behind his decision to join Antwerp.

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“Antwerp came to me. I didn’t play for a while and that was one of the main reasons for me to sign here. I must go play. This is an ambitious club and that fits me well. I want to show what I can do again,” Hoedt was quoted as saying by Het Laatste Nieuws.

“I was in Southampton’s starting XI last season and played the first 13 games. Then came another manager who made it clear that I no longer appeared in his plans.”

Another report from HLN now explains the player’s loan move from Southampton to Antwerp as the ‘most surprising transfer’. The report also adds the purchase option to make the deal permanent is ‘affordable’.