'Interested' - Southampton shortlist 22yo keeper amid Daniel Peretz uncertainty

Southampton are interested in signing Belarus international and current CSKA Sofia keeper Fedor Lapoukhov as a backup choice.

The Daniel Peretz transfer saga has been swirling around St. Mary’s for some time now. With each passing day, the Southampton faithful grow louder in their calls to sign the Bayern Munich keeper permanently.

To Southampton fans’ relief, the initial indications from both parties are positive. But while the Saints remain interested in using their £7m buy option on Peretz and the keeper is open to the move, fears will prevail of a Toby Alderweireld-like transfer miss until a deal is officially signed.

Despite the excitement surrounding Peretz’s potential signing, Southampton are likely to wait until after the season to begin the official procedures. In the meantime, the Saints have shown interest in a keeping prodigy amid the uncertainty over Peretz’s future.

The player in question is Fedor Lapoukhov. The keeper’s consistently exceptional performances in the Bulgarian First League have attracted interest from Southampton and other clubs.

Just Saints reported Southampton’s interest in Lapoukhov, quoting: “SaintsFC are interested in signing CSKA Sofia and Belarusian national team goalkeeper Fedor Lapoukhov (22).”

Fedor Lapoukhov’s performances justify Southampton’s interest

As the transfer report suggests, Southampton are interested in acquiring Lapoukhov this summer. While he may not yet have the credentials of a major European league, his performances at just 22 years old explain the interest from Southampton and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite being an up‑and‑coming prodigy, Lapoukhov already boasts four years of senior football. Having risen through the ranks of Belarusian club Dinamo Minsk, he became a first‑choice keeper for the side at just 19 years old.

With exceptional campaigns in 2022/23 (14 goals conceded) and 2023/24 (just 11 conceded), Lapoukhov helped Dinamo Minsk win consecutive league titles. After those brilliant seasons, he took the next step in his career by joining CSKA Sofia in January 2025.

Though it took him some time to cement his place as an untouchable starter at CSKA, the keeper has returned to his best this season. Having conceded just 16 goals in 21 league appearances, he has been crucial in CSKA Sofia’s impressive campaign following a lacklustre 2024/25.

Lapoukhov’s heroics aren’t limited to club level. The keeper has emerged as a first choice for the Belarus national side at just 22 after representing the nation in the Nations League 2024 and WC qualifiers already.

Saints’ interest in Lapoukhov makes perfect sense on one condition

The transfer report linking Lapoukhov to Southampton doesn’t explicitly state what role he would fill. But a closer look at the club’s goalkeeping department tells the full story.

Currently, the club has as many as six keeping options on their books, including U18 prospect Dylan Moody. While this variety of options feels enough squad depth, the reality is a different picture altogether.

That’s because Southampton lacks long-term security in their keeping department, with most of their current options being short‑term loan deals.

George Long and Jamie Jones will return to their respective clubs at the end of this season. Additionally, veteran Alex McCarthy’s tenure at St. Mary’s is also set to expire this summer.

While Gavin Bazunu remains on Southampton’s books until 2027, his unconvincing displays are hidden from none. This reduces Southampton’s keeping strength to bare bones, even if they convince Daniel Peretz to sign a permanent deal this summer.

That’s where Lapoukhov comes in. Already a regular international and a starter for his current club, the 22-year-old can add significant depth to Southampton’s squad.

Even though Bazunu’s return from his ongoing loan may restrict Lapoukhov to the third choice for a year, the Belarus international can soon become the Saints’ backup keeper with his potential.

Overall, Southampton’s future planning to add options to their keeping ranks is a smart move. If the club manages to pull off Fedor Lapoukhov’s signing, it can be a brilliant decision for Southampton’s present and future.