Earlier this month, Southampton confirmed the appointment of Nikola Ladan as their new head of international scouting.
The 35-year-old spent the majority of his playing career in Sweden before hanging up his boots in 2022. He then joined Genoa as their international football scout and left the Italian club to start the new role at Southampton.
Thursday’s edition of Göteborgs-Posten cover comments made by the new Southampton official on taking up a senior role at the club.
Southampton endured a difficult run in the Premier League, winning only two of their 35 league games so far. Their relegation to the Championship has been confirmed and the Saints have made several changes to their organisation.
As a part of this, they have appointed Ladan as their head of international scouting.
“It feels really good. This is incredibly big. I am honoured, proud and happy. It will be really fun to be part of and contribute in this environment. But, also to continue learning and developing,” he said.
Sport Republic are Southampton’s majority shareholder and have stakes at Turkish side Göztepe SK and French side Valenciennes FC.
Johannes Spors is the group technical director, and he had a spell at Genoa between 2022 and 2025. He knew Ladan from his time at the Serie A club and that played a role in the Swede’s arrival at Southampton.
“Above all, it’s a next step and it’s something new. It’s a next step where you can continue to learn more and develop even more. It’s very attractive,” Ladan explained.
Ladan is an expert on the Swedish market, but his focus won’t be limited to his own country.
“Yes, but then all international markets are super important. Things are moving fast everywhere; you have to stay updated. Otherwise, you’ll fall behind and you don’t want to do that,” he added.
