Southampton eye €5‑6m Tsoungui as Rangers join the chase

Southampton have moved to sign 23‑year‑old centre‑back Antef Tsoungui from Portuguese side Estoril Praia, with a reported valuation of €5 million to €6 million, while Scottish club Rangers are also in the race. Action images By  James Pennington AM GMT+1 reported the interest.

Action images By  James Pennington AM GMT+1, a Stoke City fan born and raised in Stoke-on-Trent, graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2025 with a 1:1 (Hons) in Sports Journalism. He began his journalism career with Football League World shortly after. Sign in to your Football League World account Add Us Like Like follow Follow followed Followed Thread Log in Here. Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap.

Why Southampton target Tsoungui

Southampton are looking to bolster their defensive options before the transfer window closes. They have identified Estoril Praia’s centre‑back Tsoungui as a potential addition. The Belgian defender impressed during his spell in Portugal, showing signs of reaching a higher level. Having spent over five years in Brighton’s academy, he qualifies as a home‑grown player for English clubs.

Tsoungui’s background and experience

Tsoungui, 23, was born in Belgium to a Cameroon father and Italian mother. He moved to England at age four, making him eligible for Belgium, Cameroon, Italy and England. He linked up with Chelsea’s academy before joining Brighton in 2018. He made a single senior appearance for Brighton and spent time on loan at Lommel SK.

He joined Feyenoord permanently in 2023. Loan spells at Dordrecht and OH Leuven followed. He then signed for Estoril Praia on a permanent deal last summer. Tsoungui made 27 appearances in all competitions for Estoril last season.

Estoril value the centre‑back at between €5 million and €6 million (£4.3 million to £5.1 million). French club Saint‑Étienne failed to agree a deal earlier this summer. Rangers have entered the race alongside Southampton, with other European clubs also monitoring the situation. The report was published by Football League World.

Southampton believe he can become a regular fixture in their back line. At that fee, the club should not struggle to stump up the money. He would add another option alongside Harwood‑Bellis, Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood and Joshua Quarshire. He would also provide a home‑grown option as the Saints look to replace Shea Charles and strengthen the defence at St Mary's.

For Rangers, signing Tsoungui would strengthen their defence without a large outlay. However, they must outbid Southampton and other interested parties. The saga will influence both clubs’ preparations as the summer window draws to a close.