Southampton are one of several clubs interested in signing Feyenoord centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic this summer. The 27-year-old enjoyed an impressive debut season for the Dutch giants in the Eredivisie in 2025/26, following his move from Sheffield United last summer. He caught the eye in his 36 appearances across all competitions, prompting a host of potential suitors to monitor his situation in Rotterdam.
Saints defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis is the subject of interest from Premier League clubs, as well as Benfica, and thus, the Championship outfit are potentially preparing for life without their star centre-back. Reputable journalist David Ornstein broke the news on Saturday morning that Benfica have lodged a bid worth in the region of €20 million for Harwood-Bellis. The 24-year-old was instrumental in Southampton's bid for promotion last season, and his loss would subsequently be a monumental blow for Tonda Eckert's men.
Why Anel Ahmedhodzic Would Be a Smart Signing for Southampton
Regardless of whether he's seen as a replacement for Harwood-Bellis or just another useful player to add to Eckert's assortment of defenders, Ahmedhodzic would be a sensible pick-up for the Saints. The Bosnia and Herzegovina international, described as an 'elite' box defender by football analyst Ben Mattinson, is proven in the Championship and played a key role in Sheffield United's promotion-winning campaign in 2022/23. While he may not be the most aerially dominant defender, he's comfortable in possession, which is important for an Eckert side that likes to dominate the ball.
It's unclear whether Ahmedhodzic is seen as a possible replacement for Harwood-Bellis or as a complement to him, but the south coast club have made contact with Feyenoord regarding the Bosnian's availability. Romano's reporting doesn't seem to suggest that a deal to take the former Nottingham Forest man to St. Mary's is advanced at this stage, but preliminary contact over the deal has been made. Amedhodzic was left out of Feyenoord's squad entirely for Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side's first Eredivisie match of the season against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday, hinting that he is deemed surplus to requirements at De Kuip.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Championship, 72 pts, 20W-12D-10L from 42 games, recent form WWWWW. Goals this season: 73 scored, 50 conceded (+23 goal difference). Title race: 14 points behind leaders Coventry. Next fixture: vs Wrexham (at home, 2027-02-20) (7th in the table).
