Viking want to sell Henrik Falchener, but it appears they are demanding a record-breaking fee for the defender after rejecting Southampton’s bid for his signature.
The defender has been one of the top players in his position for Viking this campaign and performed well as they qualified for the business end of the Champions League. His performances have helped attract interest from clubs looking to strengthen their squads.
Most players in the current Viking team are being targeted by other clubs, and they could leave if the right offer arrives. However, Viking will only agree to departures if the proposals meet their expectations.
The club are set to make significant money from European football this season, so they can afford to keep players who can help them progress further in the competition. Despite that, they have opened the door for Falchener to leave the club this summer.
Southampton bid rejected
Falchener is open to making the move, although he will not cause problems in an attempt to force it through. According to Sport Witness, Viking have rejected an offer worth €9.1m for his signature from Southampton.
The Saints believed their proposal was good enough to convince Viking to sell, but the Norwegian club rejected it. They appear to value Falchener significantly higher, particularly because of his importance to their team and their involvement in European competition.
Southampton must now decide whether to return with an improved offer. Their interest has already demonstrated how highly the defender is regarded, but Viking’s demands could make the transfer difficult to complete.
Deadline approaches
The next few hours could prove vital for both clubs. Southampton will have limited time to negotiate a deal and secure the defender before the transfer window closes.
If they fail to reach an agreement before the deadline, they will be unable to sign Falchener during this transfer window. With less than 24 hours remaining, the Saints must therefore decide whether to meet Viking’s valuation or walk away from the deal.
Falchener’s willingness to move could help negotiations, but Viking remain in a strong position. They have European football to look forward to and can afford to keep their important players unless another club meets their asking price.
Southampton now need to determine whether Falchener is worth the increased fee Viking appear to be demanding.
