German club named front runners to sign Southampton midfielder Caspar Jander

RB Leipzig are the frontrunners to sign Southampton midfielder Caspar Jander after rumours link him to a possible return to Germany this summer.

Days ago, Caspar Jander’s former club, FC Nürnberg, were considering legal action against Southampton after being deprived of a €1m bonus that would have been triggered by the Saints’ Premier League promotion. While the matter has cooled since then, the German club may still receive a windfall from Southampton given how recent events have unfolded.

This follows the news that Jander has emerged as one of the frontrunners to leave Southampton this summer. With multiple Bundesliga clubs interested in the midfielder, the Saints may need to cash in on him soon.

If that happens, Nürnberg will receive a chunk of the transfer fee due to their 10% sell‑on clause on Jander. The Saint Centre referenced BILD to note the interest in the midfielder, stating: “There are reports that RB Leipzig are interested in Caspar Jander.”

The report further read: “According to BILD, a return to Germany is considered very likely this summer. FC Nürnberg are also understood to hold a 10% sell-on clause on any future sale by Southampton.”

Jander’s exit rumours pick up pace amidst RB Leipzig’s interest

Caspar Jander’s exit rumours have persisted on the sidelines ever since the midfielder made his move to Southampton. While the January transfer window had his name emerge as a likely candidate to depart back to Germany, boss Tonda Eckert played down all such rumours at the time.

However, Jander’s chances of staying put are diminishing grimly with each passing day. Although the Saints’ playoff expulsion has been a key trigger for the player to consider an exit, the rumours stem from a combination of reasons that call for a return to Germany.

Sportingly, Caspar Jander possesses the elite technical capabilities required to thrive in a top flight, especially the Bundesliga. With his passing accuracy and ability to break up attacks as a pivot, he brings a unique profile to an ambitious Bundesliga suitor like RB Leipzig.

Analysing Leipzig’s case in particular, the club’s interest stems from their need to replace Xaver Schlager. With the Austrian opting against a contract renewal with Leipzig, they have turned their attention to Jander, who seems the closest fit to step up in their midfield.

From a technical perspective, Jander suits the club’s playing style of executing the gegenpress. With his speciality in transitioning opposition plays into quick counter‑attacks, RB Leipzig are keen on adding a prodigy like him to their roster of elite young talent.

How much can Southampton aim for from a possible sale of Jander?

Caspar Jander has emerged as an indispensable component of Southampton’s midfield over the last season. Having racked up over 3,000 minutes in all competitions combined, Jander stood as the club’s best asset in influencing quick transitional plays.

Given his importance to the Saints’ side, it goes without saying that the club should aim for significant compensation if he is to leave this summer. Although Southampton brought him in for €12m last summer, the club could realistically aim to sell him at double that price or more.

That’s because Jander is one of those rare young talents who come as a low‑risk option for any suitor. Given the inflated nature of the current transfer market, Southampton could even aim for €30m as a high‑end negotiation figure for Jander’s exit.

Again, Jander’s possible destination will be key in determining Southampton’s profit on the talented youngster. Should the midfielder join an ambitious German giant like RB Leipzig, the Saints’ chances of securing a better deal increase manifold.

But keeping aside the financial aspect, it should not be forgotten that Southampton will have a hard time finding a replacement for Jander if he ends up leaving this summer. With Shea Charles also touted for a sale, the Saints’ midfield could look very different next season.