Southampton approach senior Manchester City director over possible Saint Mary’s switch

Southampton have made an official approach to Manchester City over academy director Jason Wilcox to become their new director of football, according to reports.

The 51 year-old has been linked with a number of high-profile positions elsewhere in recent months, with clubs in the Premier League and within the City Football Group showing an interest in the highly-rated Manchester City director.

In early November, it was reported in French media that Wilcox was ‘among the studied profiles’ to become the new head coach of City Football Group side, ESTAC Troyes – who ultimately opted for Patrick Kisnorbo.

Back in October 2021, The Telegraph reported that Newcastle United considered a move to appoint Jason Wilcox as their new sporting director – alongside other names deemed as ‘suitable candidates’ at the time.

Now, Southampton are the latest club to view Wilcox as a priority target for a senior role within their operation.

This is according to the information of Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Southampton have now officially approached Manchester City over the possibility of hiring the club’s academy director Jason Wilcox as their new director of football.

It is further detailed that the south coast club will offer Wilcox the opportunity to lead Southampton’s infrastructure, first-team, academy, recruitment, and sports performance and analysis.

Should Wilcox decide to take on the opportunity presented by Southampton, he would become the second member of Manchester City’s senior academy-focussed staff to make the switch south.

Just last summer, the Premier League champions’ ‘Head of Academy Recruitment and Talent Management Joe Shields joined Southampton, becoming the club’s new ‘Head of Senior Recruitment’.

Shields continued his upward progression just three months after leaving Manchester City for Southampton, as he joined Premier League giants Chelsea – taking on the role of ‘Director of Recruitment’ at Stamford Bridge.