Who Is Albert Grønbaek & Why Are Southampton Signing The Danish International?
The Saints are poised to bolster their attacking line this window. The departures of Maxwel Cornet and Ben Brereton Diaz have freed up finances and personnel for new signings. It appears they have identified their target in Danish international Albert Grønbaek.
Rennes head coach, Jorge Sampaoli, confirmed that the 23-year-old handed in a transfer request despite only joining in the summer for €12 million.
He will reportedly sign for Southampton as their third incoming of the window, on an initial loan with an option to trigger a €15 million clause. Despite a tough season with only two goals and one assist, Grønbaek’s impressive performances in Norway show why Ivan Jurić and the Saints have targeted the attacking midfielder.
Pathway To The Denmark Setup
Grønbaek was sold to Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt in 2022, signing a deal until June 2027.
During two seasons, he scored 30 goals in all competitions with Bodø/Glimt. After leading them to Eliteserian glory in 2023, he was regarded as one of the most promising talents in the Norwegian first division. This impressive campaign attracted a host of European interest and resulted in a transfer to Ligue 1 club Rennes.
Following this, the 23-year-old received a call-up to the Danish national team. He debuted against Switzerland, where he was named man of the match. A few days later, he scored his first senior international goal as Denmark defeated Serbia 2-0 in the Nations League.
What Happened At Rennes?
Expectations were high for Grønbaek, but he struggled to adapt to the tactical demands under manager Jorge Sampaoli.
His performances fell short of what was first hoped. Despite flashes of his potential, he hadn’t maintained a consistent role in the starting lineup, leading to frustration on both sides, with Grønbaek feeling out of place in the team.
The young Dane has expressed his desire to leave Rennes, signalling his unhappiness with his situation. The mutual understanding between the club and player prompted his availability for an exit in January.
How Would Albert Grønbaek Fit Under Ivan Jurić At Southampton?
Pressing Ability
Southampton’s current system often involves players who can aggressively press from the front.
Grønbaek’s work rate off the ball could pair well with this approach. Ensuring that, even when not in possession, he contributes to the team’s defensive efforts. An asset that could be crucial for Southampton, especially since they are bottom of the Premier League.
His ability to learn and adapt to Urić’s system will determine whether he has an immediate impact. The Croatian’s management style often involves squeezing the opponent and quick transitions. These are areas where Grønbaek’s skill set could shine, especially in counter-attacks or set-piece scenarios.
Improving Southampton’s Creativity
Grønbaek’s playmaking is central to his potential fit at Southampton. He’s known for his vision on the pitch, often picking out passes that break down defences.
His ability to create chances reflects a player who can dictate play from midfield, averaging over three shot-creating actions per 90, making him potentially a consistent playmaker and threat on the ball if given an appropriate amount of game time.
His shooting, with 2.44 shots per 90, suggests he’s not just a creator but also a constant threat in front of goal; this could be valuable in Jurić’s tactical setup, where midfielders often contribute significantly to the goalscoring.
Possible Positions
Under Ivan Jurić, Grønbaek could play several roles.
As an attacking midfielder, he could be one of the two number 10s in a 3-4-2-1 or the 10 in a 3-4-1-2. The Saints have already experimented with this, usually leaning towards a 3-4-1-2 with the attacking midfielder leading the press but dropping deeper to link play between the middle and final phases.
Alternatively, his experience on the left could see him used there in a 3-4-3 where he could drift centrally to exploit defensive gaps. His adaptability would be crucial since Urić often deploys changes in his formation mid-game to suit the current scoreline.
Why Is This A Good Signing For All Parties?
The 23-year-old desires a chance to play in the Premier League, as it is reportedly a “dream’ for him.
In the long term, the option to buy Grønbaek for €15 million represents a sensible investment for Southampton (depending on his performances this season, of course). His age and skill set make him a player with room for growth both in the Premier League and in the Championship.
His adaptability, evidenced by his performances in competitions across Europe, suggests he could be a key player in fighting or survival or pushing for promotion, making the buy option for the Danish international attractive regardless of the division Southampton finds themselves in next season.
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