Southampton enters the January transfer window prioritizing attacking additions following physical setbacks for Cyle Larin and the potential return of Divin Mubama to Manchester City, while interest remains in Viking midfielder Kristoffer Akildsen, OneFootball reported.

The Championship promotion chasers were previously linked with the 1.96-meter Norwegian international during September and October. Additional interest in the central midfielder has also surfaced from Bristol City, West Bromwich Albion, and Wrexham, according to Sainstmarching.com.

Champions League Performances Justify Championship Pursuit

Akildsen’s profile has risen through standout displays on the European stage. The midfielder won eight duels during a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich and subsequently contributed an assist in a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park.

Beyond his continental outings, Akildsen has faced England captain Harry Kane and accumulated six goal involvements—comprising goals and assists—in the Eliteserien this season. Domestically, he averages 5.7 duels won per league match in Norway and displayed notable distribution precision by misplacing only two passes against Lillestrøm SK.

Parallels Drawn to Caspar Jander’s Impact

The potential pursuit of Akildsen draws clear comparisons to Southampton’s acquisition of Caspar Jander last summer. Jander integrated immediately upon arrival and started a 3-2 victory over West Ham United in place of the injured Flynn Downes, registering five tackles and duels won alongside a single misplaced pass.

Securing Akildsen would likely require a substantial financial commitment, given that Jander commanded a 10.4 million pound fee. That previous investment has proved successful, and adding the Oslo-born midfielder would increase competition within a Southampton squad widely regarded as possessing superior depth in the Championship.