For a long time, Caspar Jander was primarily the focus of VfB Stuttgart. The Swabians considered the U-21 national player from 1. FC Nürnberg too expensive, so instead, FC Southampton secured the services of the 22-year-old midfield talent.
As announced on Friday, Caspar Jander signed a contract with Southampton FC until June 2029. In addition, three million euros in bonus payments were included in the contract. On Thursday, it was leaked that the transfer would go ahead.
“We know that this decision, which was not an easy one for us, is being controversially discussed, especially in the current sporting situation,” said sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou: “We always have to consider the economic aspects in all scenarios. The financial conditions are such that, with a view to the coming years and our overall responsibility to the club, we have now agreed to the transfer, which represents a record income for FCN, and have thus also complied with the player’s wishes.”
Jander moved from MSV Duisburg, then relegated from the third division, to 1. FC Nürnberg in the summer of 2024, but immediately made his mark at the club. Playing in defensive midfield, he played in 32 of 34 possible league games – starting in all 32 (three goals, nine assists). The only reason he did not start in all 34 league games for the club was because he was forced to serve a yellow card and a yellow-red card suspension.
Debut and European Championship runner-up with the U21s
Jander repaid the trust placed in him by FCN coach Miroslav Klose. With a kicker rating of 3.02, he was the second-best Nuremberg player last season, behind only the attacking gem Stefanos Tzimas (3.00), who left for Brighton & Hove Albion. Hove Albion (3.00). He also made his debut for the German U21 team in March, with whom he recently won the silver medal at the European Championships in Slovakia.
However, his performances quickly attracted interest—and not just from a number of Bundesliga clubs. VfB Stuttgart had been interested in him for some time, but the situation had recently quietened down after the Franconians’ transfer fee demands had deterred the Bundesliga club.
Third summer transfer from Germany to the Saints
However, there has now been a U-turn and Jander is moving to the Saints, who were relegated to the Championship last season with a meager twelve points.
Despite a slow start to the season, with four points from three games, this should soon be a thing of the past – with the help of the other two German newcomers, Damion Downs (1. FC Köln) and Joshua Quarshie (TSG Hoffenheim), among others, the Saints are aiming for immediate promotion.
Technical director Johannes Spors describes Jander as a “midfield all-rounder who, unsurprisingly, has attracted a lot of interest, including from Premier League clubs.” That is where the club hopes to be next summer.
