Latest developments
- Southampton have agreed a fee to sign Victor Udoh.
- The Royal Antwerp talent is seen as an academy signing.
- He is yet to score in Belgium's top flight.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4.5/5): Romano confirms Udoh agreement
Southampton are working on bringing Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp ahead of the transfer deadline. The Saints have already reached an agreement with the Belgian outfit.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Southampton agree fee to sign Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp, deal at advanced stages. pic.twitter.com/89VJ5YLXtA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 2, 2025
The story comes from the very reliable Fabrizio Romano, who suggests the deal is as good as done.
Value (3/5): Fee remains unknown
The Italian journalist doesn't reveal the exact figure Southampton are paying to the five-time Belgian league champions for their highly-rated left-winger. However, Transfermarkt value him at less than £500k. Needless to say, there's a good chance the English outfit have agreed to spend more than that for the Nigerian prospect.
Suitability (3.5/5): Dribbling wizard
Udoh has impressed his suitors with his silky feet, as he likes to consistently take on full-backs on the flanks. However, zero goals and only two assists at the senior level suggest he still needs a lot of work on his finishing and decision making in the final third.
Upgrade? (3/5): One for the future
Udoh isn't a regular at first-team level for Antwerp so it would be naive to expect him to instantly cement his place in Southampton's starting lineup or challenge an already established first-teamer for minutes. However, he could represent the side's under-21s in Premier League 2 and get a taste of English football at youth level.
Logic (3/5): Intriguing decision
A move to England is certainly a step up for Udoh but it makes little sense for Southampton, who could do with an experienced and ready-made attacker to help them fight the relegation battle. However, such an investment into the future suggests the 20th-placed side have already accepted their fate.
Whisper+ verdict: 17/25
This deal is all but done. Still, how delighted the Saints faithful would be with his arrival at this moment remains unclear.
