Southampton winger Josh Sims is closing in on another loan move away from the Saints, with League One side Doncaster Rovers set to clinch a deal for the midfielder ahead of tomorrow’s domestic transfer deadline.
Sims has spent time away from Southampton on loan with both Reading in the Championship and New York Red Bulls in the MLS over the last two campaigns. The 23-year-old, who is currently on a deal worth £18,000-a-week (via Spotrac), has not yet been able to fully establish himself under Ralph Hasenhuttl and could now be set for another temporary switch.
Doncaster move could be last chance to impress Saints
Sims enjoyed a decent loan spell with New York Red Bulls in 2019, with the 23-year-old managing to average 1.1 key passes and 1.4 shots per game in his eight MLS appearances. The midfielder also managed to record a 70% passing accuracy whilst also making 1.8 tackles per match, as per Sofascore.
However, Sims has not been able to make an impression on the first team at St Mary’s since Hasenhuttl took over. That comes despite the Southampton manager having previously described the 23-year-old as a ‘perfect’ fit for his system after he impressed in a 3-1 win against Wolves in April 2019.
The Saints now have a lot of options in the wide attacking positions and in midfield, which means Sims is likely going to struggle for regular game-time. It now appears he is closing in on a loan switch to Doncaster Rovers, as per the Daily Telegraph’s Mike McGrath. A move could be his last chance to impress Hasenhuttl.
Sims’ early promise has faded
Sims burst onto the scene under Claude Puel in the 2016/17 season, setting up Charlie Austin for the only goal of the game against Everton on his debut. Following that introduction, big things were expected of the 23-year-old, but he has since been something of a bit-part player, making just 27 senior Saints appearances despite offering up a couple of moments of quality.
The midfielder’s loan spell with Reading in 2018/19 did not work out that well, with Sims only making five starts, although he did create four big chances and registered two assists (via Sofascore). A move to Doncaster seems like his last chance to regain some form and live up to that early promise if he is to have a long-term future at St Mary’s.
Saints fans, does Sims still have a chance of getting back into the first team? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below!
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