Southampton forward on transfer radar of European club as knock-on effect of Sunderland agreement | OneFootball

Southampton winger Samuel Edozie is being eyed up by Belgian outfit Club Brugge as a replacement for Sunderland bound Chemsdine Talbi

Southampton winger Samuel Edozie is being eyed up by Belgian outfit Club Brugge as a replacement for Chemsdine Talbi, who is on the verge of joining Premier League newcomers Sunderland.

22-year-old Edozie spent last season on loan at Blauw-Zwart's rivals Anderlecht, scoring four goals and providing four assists across all competitions.

Club Brugge are currently facing a shortage of wide players following several departures. Andreas Skov Olsen left in January, while Ferran Jutglà returned to Spain earlier this summer window.

With Talbi's imminent departure to Sunderland for a reported €23m, head coach Nicky Hayden only has Christos Tzolis and Michal Skoras as winger options - which shows why a move for Edozie makes initial sense.

Club Brugge make move for Southampton attacker Samuel Edozie

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Club Brugge have identified Samuel Edozie as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Chemsdine Talbi, and are already in talks with Southampton to discuss a permanent move.

Edozie came through the ranks at Manchester City before joining Southampton in a deal worth up to £10m in 2022, and made his Premier League debut shortly after signing.

Standing at 5ft 10in, Edozie is primarily a left winger but can also operate on the opposite flank. It's unclear at this stage as to how much money the Saints would want for them to sell.

Despite injury setbacks that sidelined him for 75 days, Edozie managed to adapt to Belgian football well - standing out in the Belgian Cup final where he played the full 90 minutes and assisted Luis Vázquez's late goal for Anderlecht.

The Saints' relegation to the Championship has opened the door for player departures as the club looks to rebuild under new manager Will Still.

The Hampshire-based club endured a historically poor top-flight campaign, managing just two wins and 12 points - becoming the first team in the league's history to be relegated with seven games to go.

Edozie, who has a contract running until 2027, returned to Southampton following his loan spell at Anderlecht - where there was no purchase option for them to activate.

With European football potentially on offer again at Club Brugge, Edozie may be tempted by a permanent move to Belgium - who regularly compete in the Champions League.

The potential transfer would mean Brugge would secure a proven performer in Belgian football, while Southampton could recoup funds to help with their second-tier rebuild project under Will Still's management.