Fabrizio Romano reports that Southampton have now approached the “dominant” former Nottingham Forest player for a transfer.

Southampton have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Feyenoord centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic after making contact over a possible transfer for the experienced defender.

The Saints are preparing to begin their new Championship campaign on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford, but while attention is understandably focused on the opening fixture, recruitment work continues behind the scenes.

Tonda Eckert is looking to strengthen his squad before the September 1 transfer deadline, particularly in defence, as Southampton attempt to recover from the disappointment of last season and mount another promotion challenge.

The club missed out on the Championship play-off final because of the fallout from the Spygate scandal, while they have also been handed a four-point deduction for the new campaign.

With those challenges ahead, strengthening the squad has become a major priority, and Ahmedhodzic has now emerged as a potential addition.

Southampton looking to improve defensively

Southampton’s defensive record last season provides some context for their interest in another centre-back.

Although the Saints finished among the better defensive sides in the Championship, they were not among the division’s very best.

Southampton conceded 56 goals during the campaign, placing them joint-fifth for the fewest goals allowed. Coventry City led the way after conceding only 45, while Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough both conceded 47.

Millwall were fourth with 49 goals conceded, while Southampton were level with Norwich City, Birmingham City, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers on 56.

Eckert will therefore be keen to make improvements at the back as Southampton attempt to challenge for promotion again.

The German coach will first have to navigate the four-point deduction, but the club’s recruitment strategy suggests they are determined to give themselves the strongest possible squad.

Ahmedhodzic appears to fit that plan.

Ahmedhodzic’s career so far

The 27-year-old has already experienced football in several countries and competitions during his career.

He began his development with Nottingham Forest before continuing his career with Malmo FF, Bordeaux and Hobro IK.

He later moved to Sheffield United, where he established himself as an important defender and gained valuable experience in English football.

Last summer, Feyenoord secured his services, giving Ahmedhodzic the opportunity to continue his career in the Netherlands.

His first season in Rotterdam was productive, with the Bosnian defender making 36 appearances across all competitions.

His performances have now attracted attention from clubs looking for an experienced centre-back, with Southampton among those showing interest.

Despite only joining Feyenoord last year, Ahmedhodzic could potentially leave the Dutch club this summer if the right offer arrives.

Strong numbers at Feyenoord

Ahmedhodzic’s statistics from his first season in the Eredivisie help explain why Southampton are interested.

The defender averaged 8.1 defensive contributions per 90 minutes, a figure that ranked second among Feyenoord players.

His ability with the ball also stands out.

Ahmedhodzic averaged 54.1 accurate passes per 90 minutes, again placing him second within the Feyenoord squad.

Those figures suggest that he can contribute both defensively and during possession phases.

That could be particularly valuable for Southampton, given Eckert’s preference for a side capable of controlling matches through possession.

Rather than simply being a defender whose primary responsibility is stopping attacks, Ahmedhodzic has demonstrated that he can also contribute when his team has the ball.

His combination of defensive work and composure in possession could make him a strong fit for Southampton’s tactical approach.

Championship experience is another advantage

One of the biggest attractions for Southampton is Ahmedhodzic’s familiarity with the Championship.

The centre-back already knows what is required to play in the second tier after spending time with Sheffield United.

During the 2024/25 regular Championship campaign, he made 38 appearances for the Blades.

Sheffield United eventually reached the play-off final, although their promotion hopes ended with defeat against Sunderland.

That experience could be extremely useful for Southampton.

Rather than bringing in a player who needs time to adapt to the pace, physicality and demands of English second-tier football, Eckert could potentially add someone who has already demonstrated that he can perform consistently at this level.

Ahmedhodzic also has considerable international experience, having collected 24 senior caps for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Dominant” defender could be available for £5m

Scout Ben Mattinson has previously described Ahmedhodzic as “dominant”, highlighting the qualities he can bring to a defensive unit.

Southampton’s interest has now become more concrete following an update from Fabrizio Romano.

Romano revealed on X that the Saints have made contact over a possible deal for the defender, indicating that preliminary discussions have begun.

However, Southampton are not the only club interested in securing his signature.

Feyenoord remain in a position to determine what happens next, but reports suggest the Dutch club could be prepared to sanction Ahmedhodzic’s departure for a fee of around £5 million.

If that valuation is accurate, the opportunity could be particularly attractive to Southampton.

The Saints would potentially be able to secure a defender with international experience, Championship pedigree and recent Eredivisie experience without having to spend an enormous amount of their transfer budget.

Sheffield United could provide serious competition

Southampton may nevertheless face a significant challenge from a familiar rival.

Sheffield United are reportedly interested in bringing Ahmedhodzic back to Bramall Lane.

The defender enjoyed an important spell with the Blades and already understands the club, the supporters and the demands of playing in English football.

There is also an indication that Ahmedhodzic would be open to returning to Sheffield United, which could complicate Southampton’s pursuit.

For the Saints, that means making their interest count.

A move to Southampton would offer Ahmedhodzic the opportunity to become part of another promotion push, while Sheffield United could offer the emotional attraction of returning to a club where he previously established himself.

A potentially smart Southampton signing

From Southampton’s perspective, Ahmedhodzic represents an intriguing opportunity.

He has experience at Championship level, has performed in the Eredivisie, possesses international credentials and appears to be available at a relatively affordable price.

His defensive statistics indicate that he remains an active and effective defender, while his passing numbers suggest he can operate comfortably in possession.

Those characteristics could make him well suited to Eckert’s plans.

The timing is also important.

Southampton are attempting to build a squad capable of challenging for promotion despite beginning the season with a four-point deduction.

Adding a proven centre-back could strengthen the team while providing greater competition and depth in defence.

The Saints have now made their approach, but the next stage will depend on whether they can convince Ahmedhodzic that St Mary’s is the right destination.

With Sheffield United also interested and the player reportedly open to returning to Bramall Lane, Southampton may need to move quickly if they want to turn their initial contact into a completed transfer before the September 1 deadline.