The Zambian midfielder Kings Kangwa has been linked with a move to Southampton in the English Premier League following an impressive season in Israel and has exclusively commented on the rumours to The Nerve Africa.
The 25-year-old left Serbian giants Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in July of this year, two years into his four-year contract, which he signed in July 2022 after joining from Russian Premier League club Arsenal Tula.
During his time in Russia, he made 55 appearances, scoring six goals and providing nine assists.
Since moving to Serbia, Kangwa struggled for playing time but still managed to score 12 goals and contribute 9 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions. He also won the Serbian league and cup twice before being loaned out to Belgian club Kortrijk prior to his permanent departure.
Kangwa joined Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Beer Sheva FC from Red Star Belgrade on a four-year contract worth approximately €800,000. This marked a return to Hapoel, six years after playing in the club’s youth team during the 2017/2018 season. Back then, he scored nine goals across all competitions.
Now, he has quickly re-established himself as a key member of the squad. In his first 15 games for Hapoel this season, Kangwa has directly contributed to 10 goals (5 goals and 5 assists)—the most of any of his teammates.
Following his impressive performances in Israel, Southampton sent scouts to watch him a week ago. However, Kangwa remains focused on his current club.
“I am very happy. My focus right now is here. Like I said, I want to help the team win the championship; I want to finish strong,” he said exclusively to The Nerve Africa.
His agent, Nir Karin, also commented: “We shall see how things unfold, but for now, he is focused on Hapoel.”
Kangwa has previously attracted interest from English clubs. He was close to joining Nottingham Forest in August 2023, but the deal fell through after his then-club, Red Star Belgrade, rejected the Premier League side’s €3 million bid for the Zambian midfielder.
