SPORT Republic co-founder Rasmus Ankersen insists "it is definitely possible" to see regular transfers between Saints and Goztepe.

The Dane, who helped mastermind Brentford's rise to the Premier League as a co-director, is serving as chairman of Goztepe. 

The Turkish outfit celebrated promotion back to the Super Lig at the weekend, despite boasting two games still to play. 

Saints goalkeeper Mat Lis has spent the season on loan with the Sport Republic sister club, as the first beneficiary of the club pairing. 

Sport Republic bosses hope to transfer players between the clubs which also include third-tier French side Valenciennes. 

Ankersen, speaking to beIN SPORTS Turkiye, explained: "It is definitely possible that you see that in the future.

Daily Echo: Rasmus Ankersen and Saints bosses pictured at St Mary'sRasmus Ankersen and Saints bosses pictured at St Mary's

"First of all, we share a lot of information between the two clubs, if we do something well on the commercial side we share it.

"We share knowledge of scouting and information of the market to try and make each other better.

"It is not unlikely that at some point you could see a player coming to Goztepe because of the pathway.

"He knows if he does well there is a pathway to go to Southampton, hopefully, in the Premier League."

Ankersen added: "It is the same thing with players in Southampton.

"They might need a challenge that we can offer at Goztepe, and this is something we are thinking about.

"It has to make sense for both clubs for this to work but we are communicating a lot about how the two clubs can make each other stronger.

"It is not enough to just establish football teams. It is also necessary to form a good management team.

"It is necessary to ensure that the right people are recruited and included. There is a very successful team at every level.

"We carefully examine the selection of players for our football team. We are always in contact with our managers and ensure that they do their job.

"At Sport Republic, we have a lot of knowledge and information on the football side so we are very close to decisions on how we play, who we recruit and who we sell.

"All of these things are very important in football and we are not an owner who is far away, we are close to the club.

"This is our model at Sport Republic, to be hands-on but allow the guys on the ground to do their job." 

Sport Republic became the first foreign investor in Turkish football when they purchased a 70 per cent shareholding in August 2022.

Goztepe could remain a likely destination for fringe Saints players looking for competitive minutes in the next few seasons.

The former Turkish champions will look to remain in the top division, having won back their status for the first time since relegation in 2022. 

Ankersen hinted towards modest spending in the upcoming summer transfer window, suggesting: "There are other ways to improve a club than just transfers.

"Our methodology is not just to go for the big names or the big CVs. We have to make sure they are the right players for the club.

"We will hopefully be able to make some nice transfers that fans will be pleased with, at least when they see them on the pitch."