Southampton push for winger signing but £3.5m price proves a hurdle

Southampton are continuing to explore options in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their attacking ranks, with Lens winger Morgan Guilavogui emerging as a player of interest. However, any potential deal is proving far from straightforward, with a significant valuation gap threatening to stall negotiations.

Reports from German outlet Bild indicate that the Saints are one of several clubs monitoring Guilavogui’s situation this month. They are not alone in their interest, though, as his former club St Pauli are also keen on a move, hoping to bolster Tonda Eckert’s squad during the second half of the campaign. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Southampton face a race against time to decide whether the deal is worth pursuing further.

Southampton’s ambition this season has been to push for promotion back to the Premier League, but their current position paints a more challenging picture. Sitting outside the Championship play-off places, the Hampshire club know they need an upturn in results if they are to stay in contention. Reinforcements before the 2 February deadline could prove vital, particularly in attacking areas where consistency has been lacking.

Guilavogui, a Guinea international, has been a regular part of Lens’ Ligue 1 squad this season. He has made 15 appearances in the French top flight, starting three matches and registering one goal. While those numbers may not leap off the page, his overall experience and versatility are qualities that could appeal to Southampton as they look for solutions in the final third.

Interest in the 27-year-old is not new, but progress has been slow. Southampton are believed to have already tested Lens’ resolve with an offer, only for it to be rejected. The French club are reportedly standing firm on a €4 million valuation, roughly £3.5 million, and are unwilling to lower their demands at this stage of the window.

That price tag presents a dilemma for Southampton. On one hand, the club are eager to add quality and competition to their attacking options. On the other, committing that level of investment to a player approaching his late twenties carries risk, particularly given the broader context of their league position and financial considerations.

St Pauli’s interest further complicates matters. Guilavogui spent last season on loan in Germany, where he enjoyed a relatively productive spell in the Bundesliga, contributing six goals and two assists across 25 appearances. That familiarity with the club and league could make a return appealing, especially if Southampton hesitate over meeting Lens’ asking price.

Having recently returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty, Guilavogui is now available for selection, and his future is likely to be decided soon. Southampton must weigh whether he represents the right profile to help drive a late push up the Championship table, or whether alternative options may offer better value.

The pressure is mounting on Eckert as results have left the Saints languishing in 15th place after 26 games. They are currently eight points adrift of the play-off spots and have played more matches than some of the teams above them, making the margin for error increasingly slim. Their next test comes at home against Hull City on 17 January, a fixture that could further shape the urgency of their transfer business.

From a squad perspective, there is room for another attacking addition. Damion Downs has failed to make the desired impact since arriving at St Mary’s and has already been excluded from the matchday setup this month. That opens the door for someone like Guilavogui, who can operate both as a central option and out wide, offering tactical flexibility.

His ability to fill multiple roles could be valuable in a long Championship season, where injuries and form fluctuations often force managers to shuffle their line-ups. Moreover, Guilavogui’s experience at the top level may help add a different dimension to Southampton’s attack, potentially providing the cutting edge they have lacked.

Still, caution is warranted. Guilavogui will turn 28 in the coming months, and committing £3.5 million for a permanent deal may not align with Southampton’s longer-term planning. A loan move, if achievable, could represent a more sensible compromise, allowing the club to assess his impact without overextending financially.

As the deadline draws closer, Southampton must decide how hard they are willing to push. Guilavogui could offer useful depth and competition, but whether he is worth Lens’ asking price remains the central question as the Saints look to revive their promotion hopes.