Patro Eisden Maasmechelen’s Adnane Abid has ended up on Southampton’s transfer radar, according to a report from Belgium.
The 21-year-old graduated from KRC Genk’s youth system but wasn’t able to represent their first team. He was released and joined the second division Belgian club on a free transfer in July of last year.
He impressed in his debut season for Patro, scoring eight goals and registering 11 assists from 35 games.
The forward’s displays haven’t gone unnoticed if a report from Tuesday’s edition of Het Belang van Limburg is to be believed. They name Southampton and Toulouse FC as interested parties.
Abid attracted concrete interest from Norwegian side Vålerenga Fotball in January. HBVL state the Saints and the French club have emerged as two new candidates.
According to the newspaper, both Southampton and the Ligue 1 side sent scouts to Belgium to watch Abid live against Cercle Brugge at the weekend. The attacker failed to shine as Patro suffered a 5-1 loss.
Southampton have been relegated from the Premier League, and this could give Toulouse an advantage to sign the player.
Abid’s contract lasts until 2026, with an option for another year. Since he joined for free, his club are in line to make a profit if they sell the Belgian in the summer window.
