The Southampton fans here in the Football Transfer Tavern are in agreement that it has been a rocky first summer as Southampton boss for Claude Puel…
Like many before him, Claude Puel has been faced with the prospect of losing some of his top stars – important players like Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle have both left the club this summer in search of pastures new.
As always, there has been a heavy focus on departures at St Mary’s this summer, and with just a few days to go until the Premier League transfer window slams shut – that trend looks like it could continue.
A host of players have been touted with a move away from Southampton at the Football Transfer Tavern in recent weeks, whilst the Southampton faithful here think that a few of Claude Puel’s men might be better off away from the club.
Our landlord thinks that Puel must look to improve Southampton this season; and some players simply should not be in his plans…
With that in mind, here are THREE Southampton players that Puel must offload before August 31st – agreed?
Jose Fonte
This is going to be a controversial one amongst the Southampton faithful here in the Football Transfer Tavern; but Claude Puel needs to take the opportunity to sell Jose Fonte this summer.
A number of big clubs have reportedly been interested in the Portuguese centre-half, and when big clubs are involved – big transfer fee’s normally follow.
At 32 years old, Fonte’s best years are behind him – and this will likely be the last summer in which he can be sold for a decent price.
Our landlord thinks that Puel should look to capitalise on Fonte now – or risk losing money down the line.
Jay Rodriguez
Another very controversial one – the Southampton fans here in the Tavern will not be happy! A few TT ales might go flying soon…
This one definitely shouldn’t be a permanent deal – but Jay Rodriguez simply has to leave the club on a short term deal if Southampton ever want him to return to the form he had prior to his string of injuries.
Southampton can’t afford to play players that are half fit; but in order to gain fitness players must play – it’s a catch 22 for Puel.
There have been reports that West Brom are keen on a loan deal, and our landlord thinks that Southampton should definitely take that option should be it become available.
A short term deal could prove hugely beneficial in the second half of the season for Claude Puel’s men.
Lloyd Isgrove
Lloyd Isgrove is one of those players that you think will stay eternally young; but that simply isn’t the case.
The Southampton winger will turn 24 in a couple of months, and thus far has shown no signs of ever making it as a first team player at Southampton.
He has made just one first team appearance since 2012, whilst he has not done much of note during his various loan spells in recent years.
Our landlord thinks that if he clearly doesn’t have a future at St Marys; it makes sense to sell him sooner rather than later.
