Southampton launch move to sign Bundesliga midfielder | OneFootball

Werder Bremen midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt looks to be a summer transfer target for Southampton.

That's after a report from German outlet Bild claimed that the Saints have made a bid to sign the 30-year-old.

The Saints are of course, preparing for life back in the Premier League, after victory over Leeds United in Sunday's Championship play-off saw them secure an immediate promotion back to the top-flight.

Following that success, Southampton immediately made their first summer signing, with promotion triggering an obligation to make defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis' loan move from Manchester City into a permanent one.

Now it seems as though Russell Martin's side are taking more steps to add further options to their squad this summer as well.

Southampton looking to sign German midfielder

As per this latest update, Southampton have now made an offer to sign Bittencourt, as they prepare for a return to the Premier League.

To date, the midfielder has spent his entire playing career in Germany. During that time he has previously represented Energie Cottbus, Borussia Dortmund, Hannover, Koln and Hoffenheim.

He then joined Bremen on loan from Hoffenheim in September 2019, a deal that was then made permanent the following year.

Since making that move to Bremen, Bittencourt has made 140 appearances in all competitions, and helped them win promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2021/22 season.

However, he could now be on the move again, following these reports of a bid from Southampton.

As things stand, there is just a year remaining on the 30-year-old's contract with Bremen, securing his future with the club until the end of next season.

That of course, means that this summer could be the German side's last chance to cash in on the midfielder.

For their part, Bremen finished ninth in the Bundesliga this season, missing out on a place in the Europa Conference League to eighth place Heidenheim on goal difference alone.

Leonardo Bittencourt could offer Saints something different

It does feel as though this would open up some interesting options for Southampton if they were to get this deal done.

Bittencourt primarily plays in an attacking midfield role behind a centre forward, a position that the Saints do not really have any natural options at the minute.

As a result, having someone like the Bremen midfielder in his side, could allow Martin more scope to shuffle his side and formations should he wish to do so.

Given there is a need to be flexible in the Premier League, that could certainly be a useful option for them to have, if they are to adapt to life back in the top-flight.

Indeed, his considerable experience of playing top-flight football throughout a considerable part of his career so far in Germany, could also be useful for Southampton.

Meanwhile, his contract situation means he could be affordable given the financial windfall promotion will bring to the Saints, and he too could be keen on the chance to test himself at this level.

All of that could make Bittencourt an attainable target for Southampton, meaning the bid they have made for him, could well turn out to be a sensible one.