According to Foot Mercato, Valenciennes FC defender and captain of France’s under 18s, Joachim Kayi Sanda (17), has become a target for multiple clubs across Europe, with Southampton FC thought to be the favourite to secure his signature.
The Frenchman led his nation to the U17s World Cup final last summer and has been a rare bright spark in a strange season for VAFC.
It’s expected that the young central defender will likely make the move away from his formative club in the summer. He has become a key part of a squad that while making it to the Coupe de France semi-finals, finds itself bottom of Ligue 2, and on course for a relegation to the third tier.
VAFC are already experiencing serious financial difficulties, notwithstanding the future pressures that will come next season, and an asset like Sanda could represent a significant boost to the club’s coffers.
Southampton in pole position
Multiple clubs across Europe are thought to be interested, but since Southampton’s owner already owns VAFC as of last year, it could be that the English club will be the team to benefit from a player often compared to Dayot Upamecano (25).
GFFN | Nick Hartland