Southampton to compete with Frankfurt for Sebastian Rode?
Southampton have reportedly entered the race to sign Sebastian Rode.
| Sebastian Rode. | Photo: Reto Stauffer, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Rode's contract with Dortmund runs for another year, but BVB are considered unlikely to hold on to him despite his impressive performances on loan at Frankfurt in the second half of the 2018/19 season.
Frankfurt are interested in signing Rode permanently and remain favourites to do so, but Southampton have also expressed interest in the 28-year-old, as per Sport1.
Apparently, Ross Wilson, Director of Professional Football and scout at Southampton, has contacted Rode's agent, Branko Panic, about a possible transfer.
When asked about Southampton's alleged interest in Rode, Panic told Sport1:
"I don't participate in speculation. But after his strong second half of the season, it wouldn't be unusual."
Rode has reportedly been priced at just €5 million by Dortmund – a relatively low fee which can partly be explained with the fact that the midfielder's contract is set to run out in 2020.
But persistent injury problems is also part of the explanation. Currently, Rode is still recovering from a knee injury that he sustained in May.
"Sebastian is in rehab. He works like a madman. And the goal is for him to be at the coach's disposal in four to six weeks," his agent said.
Rode made 20 appearances for Frankfurt in the second half of last season with one goal and one assist to his name.
