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Southampton will inevitably lose midfielder James Ward-Prowse if they get relegated to the Championship, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Saints struggling
The Saints have struggled considerably in the Premier League this season, currently sitting bottom of the table, three points from safety, with former manager Nathan Jones getting the sack after a 2-1 home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, Southampton looked a much-improved side at the weekend, emerging as shock 1-0 winners at Stamford Bridge under the helm of interim manager Ruben Selles, and there is now increased confidence that they will be able to survive.
The Latest: Ward-Prowse’s future in doubt
While Selles’ reign got off to a perfect start against Chelsea, the interim boss still has a lot of work to do if he is going to be able to preserve the Saints’ Premier League status.
To make things worse, should they be relegated to the second tier, O’Rourke believes that a whole host of players are set to leave the club, telling GiveMeSport:
“Southampton fans won’t want to hear it, but I think if they do go down it’s going to be pretty inevitable that Ward-Prowse could be among several players that leave St. Mary’s.”
The Verdict: Would be a huge loss
Hailed as ‘superb’ by the media, Ward-Prowse has been sensational for Southampton this season, and starred again in the 1-0 victory at Chelsea, firing home yet another free-kick to go just one behind David Beckham’s Premier League record of 18.
It is not the first time the midfielder has weighed in with a vital goal this season, having struck twice in the 2-1 victory away at relegation-threatened Everton last month, and he is now on six goals in the top flight this term.
While the 28-year-old has been loyal to the Saints for his entire career, it would be understandable if his head was turned this summer, in light of his recent form, with Aston Villa making their interest known in recent days.
As such, being able to keep hold of Ward-Prowse is another reason it is vital that the Saints avoid relegation this season, and fans will be hoping Selles can continue his excellent start away at Leeds United next weekend.
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