Dragan Solak: Kieran Maguire tips influx of talent as Southampton target two mega-money deals
Southampton could use new multi-club links to recruit a flurry of European talent.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the ambitions of new owner Dragan Solak.
The Serbian billionaire’s investment group Sport Republic completed a £100million, 80 per cent takeover from Gao Jisheng in January this year.
The Daily Mail reported on Thursday (24 March) that Sport Republic want to buy two more clubs before the end of the summer.
It is understood that Sport Republic want to make the Saints the bedrock of a multi-club network in similar fashion to Man City and City Football Group.
Maguire explained that he has high hopes for Southampton’s network of clubs.
“I think it will work for Southampton on this scale,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Southampton’s owners are aware of the additional hurdles that have been caused by Brexit and the governing body endorsement system.
“They are a club that has a progressive attitude towards recruitment. That means they are able to get into as broad a market as possible.
“It’s expensive, but a multi-club model allows you to do that because it allows you to have these holding areas to bring in lots of players from Europe.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, who are next in action against Leeds United next Saturday (2 March), are currently 11th in the Premier League.
The Saints announced an £10.3m loss in their accounts released this week, with revenue totalling £157.2m.
In other news, ex-Premier League referee issues “surprise” claim after Southampton news announced live on air.