Deal agreed as player undergoes Southampton medical ahead of move

Southampton are closing in on a January transfer deal for Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, with reports in Germany indicating that the move is all but complete.

According to Sky Deutschland, the Championship side have finalised arrangements to bring the 25-year-old to St Mary’s during the winter transfer window. Peretz, who is contracted to Bayern Munich, is set to leave his current loan spell at Hamburg SV earlier than planned after struggling for regular playing time.

The Israeli international joined Hamburg on a season-long loan last summer in the hope of gaining valuable minutes, but his time in northern Germany has not unfolded as expected. Hamburg head coach Merlin Polzin has consistently preferred Daniel Heuer Fernandes as his first-choice goalkeeper, leaving Peretz largely on the sidelines. As a result, the Bayern-owned shot-stopper has featured only twice this season, both appearances coming in the DFB-Pokal.

Bayern Munich are understood to be dissatisfied with how the situation has developed. With Peretz unable to secure meaningful game time at Hamburg, the Bundesliga champions have decided to cut short the loan arrangement. Sky Deutschland report that the goalkeeper will depart HSV with immediate effect, paving the way for his move to Southampton.

Discussions between Southampton and Bayern Munich appear to have progressed swiftly. Sky claim that the final details of the transfer were ironed out on Thursday, with all parties reaching a full agreement. The deal will see Southampton take Peretz on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.

The option to buy is reportedly set at around €8 million, giving the Saints flexibility depending on how the goalkeeper performs during his time in England. Sky’s report states that “everything is settled” between Southampton and Bayern Munich, suggesting there are no remaining obstacles to the transfer being completed.

Further underlining how advanced the move is, Peretz is said to be undergoing his medical with Southampton. This step typically signals that a deal is in its final stages, and an official announcement could follow shortly if no issues arise during the checks.

Southampton’s interest in Peretz comes as the club assesses its goalkeeping options ahead of the second half of the season and beyond. Gavin Bazunu has been the club’s established number one throughout the current campaign, while Alex McCarthy has served as his understudy. However, there is uncertainty surrounding the long-term depth of the goalkeeping department.

McCarthy and third-choice goalkeeper George Long are both approaching the end of their contracts, with their deals set to expire in June. This has prompted Southampton to explore the market for additional competition and future security in the position, and Peretz has emerged as a strong candidate.

For Peretz, the move represents an opportunity to revive his season and establish himself as a regular starter or at least a serious contender in a competitive environment. After a frustrating spell in Hamburg, where chances were limited, a switch to English football could provide the platform he needs to showcase his ability and push his career forward.

Although he has yet to feature regularly at senior level in Germany, Peretz remains highly regarded. Bayern Munich signed him with an eye on long-term potential, and the inclusion of an option to buy in the Southampton deal reflects confidence in his development.

From Southampton’s perspective, the loan structure minimizes risk while offering a potential long-term solution. If Peretz adapts well to the Championship and impresses the coaching staff, the club would have the option to secure his services permanently at a pre-agreed fee.

As the January window unfolds, Southampton appear close to making an early statement of intent. Bringing in a goalkeeper of Peretz’s profile could add depth, competition, and future planning to the squad, while giving the player a fresh start after a difficult first half of the season in Germany.

Southampton Tipped as Club to Watch in Race for Star’s Future Move

Southampton have been identified as a club to keep a close eye on in the developing race to sign Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who is currently on loan at Hamburg.

After dropping into the Championship last season, the Saints have shown signs of recovery under new head coach Tonda Eckert. While results have not been flawless, Southampton have produced a steady run of form, picking up eight victories and amassing 32 points to sit 13th in the table. That position has been enough to reignite optimism among supporters that a late push toward the promotion picture is still possible.

Despite that progress, one area of concern continues to undermine Southampton’s ambitions: the lack of a clear and reliable first-choice goalkeeper. Gavin Bazunu and Alex McCarthy have both been rotated this season, but neither has truly convinced. A former EFL player recently highlighted the goalkeeping situation as a persistent weakness, openly questioning Bazunu’s consistency at this level. Those doubts are reflected in the numbers, with the Saints having conceded 34 goals across 24 league matches.

Clean sheets have been particularly scarce. Southampton have recorded just three shutouts all season, leaving them joint second-bottom in the Championship for that metric. Only Norwich City and Oxford United have managed fewer clean sheets, underlining just how pressing the issue has become. With defensive frailties costing valuable points, it is no surprise that strengthening between the posts is expected to be a priority when the January transfer window opens.

That context has placed Daniel Peretz firmly on Southampton’s radar. According to Italian journalist Luca Bendoni, the south coast club have been labelled “one to watch” in the battle to secure the Bayern Munich goalkeeper’s signature. At 25, Peretz finds himself in need of regular football after a frustrating loan spell at Hamburg.

The Israeli international has spent much of the campaign on the sidelines with the newly promoted Bundesliga side, making just two appearances, both of which came in the German Cup. With Daniel Heuer Fernandes firmly established as Hamburg’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, Peretz’s opportunities have been extremely limited. As a result, he is believed to be open to moving on in search of consistent minutes, something that Southampton could potentially offer.

From Bayern Munich’s perspective, facilitating a move may also make sense. Peretz joined the German giants in 2023 after progressing through the youth ranks at Maccabi Tel Aviv, but his development has stalled without regular game time. A switch to the Championship, where the physical demands are high and matches come thick and fast, could provide the competitive platform he needs to get his career back on track.

Southampton, however, are not operating in isolation. Sunderland have also been linked to the wider reshuffling of goalkeepers this winter. The Black Cats signed Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen during the summer, a young keeper who was praised for his potential by a former NEC youth coach. Despite that addition, Sunderland’s backup goalkeeper Anthony Patterson has reportedly attracted interest from Southampton, as he seeks more regular opportunities behind an established number one.

The transfer links do not stop there. There is also reported activity between Southampton and Hamburg in other areas of the pitch. The German club are said to be monitoring Saints striker Damion Downs, although any potential deal is understood to be limited to a loan rather than a permanent move. That mutual interest highlights the growing relationship between the two clubs as the January window approaches.

Eckert himself has already warned that the mid-season transfer window can often be unpredictable, with unexpected opportunities and complications arising at short notice. For Southampton, decisiveness will be key. If they are to address their ongoing goalkeeping issues and maintain momentum in the second half of the season, swift and effective recruitment will be essential.

Peretz’s profile fits what the Saints appear to be looking for: a goalkeeper with top-level pedigree, international experience, and a clear motivation to play regularly. As an Israel international, the shot-stopper will be keen to ensure that his next move places him in an environment where he is trusted as a first-choice option rather than a peripheral figure.

Whether Southampton ultimately press ahead with a formal approach for Peretz remains uncertain. Much will depend on Bayern Munich’s willingness to sanction a move, Hamburg’s stance on his loan, and the Saints’ ability to balance their options amid interest in other goalkeepers. What is clear, however, is that Southampton are actively exploring solutions to a problem that has hampered their season so far.

With January fast approaching and promotion hopes still alive, the Saints know they cannot afford to ignore the warning signs at the back. As the transfer window looms, all eyes will be on whether Daniel Peretz is the man chosen to steady the ship and provide the consistency Southampton have been lacking between the sticks.

Hull City poised to land Middlesbrough player on free transfer

Hull City are preparing to move early in the January transfer window, with reports suggesting they are close to completing a free-transfer deal for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

Despite operating under EFL-imposed transfer restrictions, the Tigers remain active in the market and are continuing to explore creative ways to strengthen their squad. According to respected reporter Alan Nixon, Hull City are set to bring Dieng to the MKM Stadium after Middlesbrough agreed to terminate his contract 18 months ahead of schedule.

Hull City are eager to bolster their Championship promotion ambitions in the second half of the season. While they remain unable to pay transfer fees until the end of the current campaign, that limitation has not stopped them from identifying attainable targets who fit within the rules. The potential arrival of Dieng highlights the club’s smart and pragmatic approach to recruitment.

Writing on his Patreon, Nixon revealed that an agreement has been reached allowing Dieng to leave Middlesbrough early, clearing the way for Hull City to sign the Senegal international without paying a fee. This structure ensures the Tigers remain compliant with EFL regulations while still improving their squad in a key area.

The move would represent another example of Hull City’s effective transfer strategy. Over the summer, the club managed to assemble a competitive squad despite similar constraints, making strong use of the loan market and free transfers. Those decisions helped them remain competitive in the Championship, and the signing of Dieng appears to follow the same logic.

Although Dieng’s spell at Middlesbrough did not entirely live up to expectations, context is important. Injuries disrupted his rhythm and limited his opportunities to establish himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. As a result, he was unable to show the consistent form that once made him one of the division’s standout shot-stoppers.

Prior to his move to Teesside, Dieng impressed significantly during his time at QPR. His performances there demonstrated his reliability, reflexes, and composure, attributes that remain valuable at Championship level. At 31 years old, he still has several seasons left at a high standard, particularly in a position where experience is often an advantage.

From Hull City’s perspective, the signing addresses a clear area of concern. While Ivor Pandur has remained the club’s regular starter, his performances this season have not quite matched the levels he reached previously. With 37 goals conceded and just five clean sheets in 24 league appearances, there is a sense that additional competition could be beneficial.

The arrival of Dieng would provide exactly that. His presence could push Pandur to rediscover his best form, while also giving head coach Sergej Jakirovic a dependable alternative if changes are needed. Dieng’s experience, both domestically and internationally, could prove crucial during the demanding run-in to the end of the season.

Jakirovic will be encouraged by the prospect of securing an early January signing, especially one that strengthens such a vital position. Getting business done swiftly can set a positive tone for the rest of the window, and the Hull City boss will be hopeful that Dieng’s arrival is followed by further reinforcements.

The Tigers’ ambitions of reaching the play-off places remain alive, but margins are tight in the Championship. Squad depth, particularly in key roles like goalkeeper, can often make the difference over a long season. Adding a proven performer without spending a fee is a significant boost under the circumstances.

As off-field developments progress, attention will soon turn back to matters on the pitch. Hull City will be keen to begin the new year on a strong note, with momentum playing a crucial role in sustaining their promotion challenge. A positive result in their upcoming fixture would complement the optimism generated by transfer activity behind the scenes.

Overall, the anticipated signing of Seny Dieng underlines Hull City’s ability to operate intelligently within their limitations. If completed, it would represent a timely and much-needed addition, reinforcing the squad while maintaining financial discipline—a balance that could prove decisive in the months ahead.

Hull City Considering January Move for Highly-Rated Young Player

Hull City are set to make an important call in the coming weeks regarding the short-term future of teenage forward Hugh Parker, as the club considers whether a loan move would best serve his development. With January approaching, the Tigers are expected to explore options that would allow several of their young prospects to gain valuable first-team experience away from the MKM Stadium.

Parker, who joined Hull earlier this year from Irish side University College Dublin (UCD), has quickly made a strong impression within the club’s academy setup. Operating primarily with Conor Sellars’ Under-21 squad, the young striker has delivered eye-catching numbers, scoring nine goals while also providing seven assists since his arrival. His performances have marked him out as one of Hull’s most exciting emerging talents.

That impressive form has not gone unnoticed at senior level. Head coach Sergej Jakirovic has been closely monitoring Parker’s progress and has regularly invited him to train with the first team in recent weeks. Injuries within Hull’s attacking department have further accelerated Parker’s exposure to senior football, creating opportunities that may not otherwise have arrived so quickly.

With Joe Gelhardt and Enis Destan sidelined and Oli McBurnie only recently returning from his own injury setback, Hull found themselves short of attacking options. As a result, Parker was included in the matchday squad for the Tigers’ recent 2-0 victory over Wrexham, taking a place on the substitutes’ bench. While he did not feature in the game, the decision to involve him at Championship level underlined the coaching staff’s belief in his potential.

Jakirovic has since spoken openly about the club’s thinking regarding Parker’s next steps. While the striker remains part of the first-team environment for now, the Hull boss acknowledged that regular minutes could be crucial for his continued development.

“We will see,” Jakirovic said when asked about Parker’s future. “Hugh is with us right now. We are using him, especially when we have problems with the strikers. He’s here, he’s involved, and he’s performing well.”

The head coach also revealed that he has personally watched Parker in action at youth level, suggesting the teenager has already demonstrated the qualities required to succeed higher up the pyramid.

“I watched a few games, so he’s okay,” Jakirovic added, before turning his attention to the possibility of a loan move. “We will see if he needs minutes. It’s maybe better to go and have minutes on loan, especially here in England.”

Hull’s preference for domestic loan moves reflects a wider trend among Championship clubs, who value the ability to closely monitor young players and recall them quickly if needed. Jakirovic highlighted this flexibility as a key advantage, noting that sending Parker out on loan would not necessarily mean losing access to him.

“I like this,” he explained. “You can always pull him back, and this is a good option for us.”

Interest in Parker is understood to be coming from clubs lower down the English Football League, where he could gain consistent senior minutes in a competitive environment. Such a move would offer the teenager the chance to adapt to the physical demands of men’s football while continuing to sharpen his finishing and all-round attacking play.

From Hull’s perspective, the decision will hinge on balancing immediate squad needs with long-term development. Should injuries persist or new issues arise in attack, Parker may remain with the senior squad as a useful option. However, if the Tigers’ forward line stabilizes in January, a temporary move away could provide the striker with invaluable experience.

For Parker himself, the coming weeks represent a crucial phase in his young career. Having already made a strong impression at Under-21 level and earned the trust of the first-team coaching staff, he now stands on the brink of regular senior football. Whether that next step comes at Hull City or elsewhere on loan will soon become clear.

As January approaches, Hull City’s handling of Parker’s situation will be closely watched, both by clubs interested in securing his services and by supporters eager to see one of the club’s brightest young prospects continue his upward trajectory.