Player ‘on his way’ to Southampton – Relegation allowed him to make cheaper move

Southampton are about to sign FC Groningen midfielder Johan Hove, according to reports from Norway.

Outlet VG writes that the 22-year-old is ‘on his way’ to the Saints following his relegation with the Dutch side.

The story explains that with his club going down to the second division, Hove ended up having a buyout clause available in his contract.

“It is a sum that has been decided internally, but I do not want to comment on what it is,” Hove is quoted saying, also claiming that he doesn’t want to stay in the Netherlands following the relegation.

Now it seems it’s Southampton who are triggering that clause, even though VG doesn’t say how much the Saints will pay for it.

The outlet just claims Hove is ‘approaching’ a transfer to St. Mary’s, so it seems the final details are still being finalised.

VG doesn’t miss the chance to say Southampton were also relegated to the second division this summer, but it seems clear the player would rather play in the Championship than in the Dutch second tier.

Hove is currently valued by Transfermarkt at €2.3m, and is currently part of Norway’s U-21 squad.

Thanks to @RonnyS0L on Twitter for the heads up.