The FIFA World Cup is known for discovering hidden gems from across the globe and the Qatar 2022 tournament has been no different.
Australia were impressive making it past the group stages, with one player standing tall above the rest literally and figuratively, Harry Souttar.
Souttar was instrumental at the back for the Socceroos during their historic campaign and now has plenty of clubs lining up for his services.
He has admitted that he has Premier League ambitions, with his current club Stoke City wanting at least 20 million pounds for the defender.
So, here are five potential, realistic landing spots for Harry Souttar in January.Â
1. Bournemouth
Bournemouth are the worst defensive team in the Premier League this season having conceded 32 goals in 15 matches.
They have been dominated in several games, with the newly-promoted side leading the league in clearances and blocks.
Centre-back is a key position they are lacking and Souttar is a strong presence they desperately need.
Souttar is already familiar with the 4-4-2 system and would be a handy signing to help keep Bournemouth up.
2. Nottingham Forest
Another newly-promoted side, Nottingham Forest have been extremely inconsistent this season.
They have conceded the second most goals in the league, conceding on average two goals a game.
Forest defend a whopping seven corners every match, so having an aerial threat like Souttar would be highly beneficial.
They made a lot of signings in pre-season and will have to make more in January if they wish to avoid relegation.
3. Leeds United
The young side have plenty of talent in their squad but have struggled in defence this season.
Leeds have gotten only two clean sheets in 14 matches so far.
The side are a strong attacking team though and win a lot of set pieces.
Souttar would be a helpful pickup as a dominant aerial threat for the team.
His defence and aerial threat would give Leeds United a major boost and allow them to possibly sell an older centre-back.Â
4. Southampton
Southampton were predicted by many to stay up again this season, however, they are currently in the relegation zone.
The key reason is their inability to earn clean sheets, with the side only having one clean sheet in 15 matches.
Southampton have talented youth but are lacking quality in the centre-back position.
Souttar would be a handy signing that would give them a chance to avoid the Championship next season.Â
5. Burnley
The only Championship side in this list, Burnley have been linked with Souttar in the past.
When the side were trying to stay in the Premier League in May 2021, they were rumoured to sign the Australian.
Now they are first in the Championship looking to get promoted back up to the top-flight.
The only issue Vincent Kompany’s team has is their two starting centre-backs are on loan.
Adding Souttar as a permanent player would be beneficial for a Burnley side looking set to re-join the Premier League next season.
Feature Image Credit: Socceroos
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |
