Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain - February 9, 2022, Southampton's Armando Broja reacts.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl ‘could still go back in’ for Chelsea striker and former loanee Armando Broja, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Striker signing
Despite the arrival of 19-year-old striker Sekou Mara at St Mary’s last month, there still appears to be a desire for Saints to sign another forward this summer.
After an eight-year spell with the club, Shane Long left on a free transfer to join Reading, whilst Scotland international Che Adams has recently been linked with a move to Leeds United.
With so much uncertainty around the striker position, Broja’s name has once again entered the mix after his proposed move to West Ham fell through.
The Latest: Jones’ Broja news
Jones believes that a Southampton move for Broja is not out of the question, with there being a possibility that the south-coast club could go back in for the striker.
Speaking with GiveMeSport, the transfer insider claimed:
“It does look like they’re going to struggle for goals. They could still go back in for Broja. All the time that he stays at Chelsea, and other clubs look elsewhere, it builds the case that Southampton could yet go back for Broja. I wouldn’t totally rule that one out.”
The Verdict: Exciting
This would be a great signing for Hasenhuttl’s side if the Saints board are able to pull off a deal.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Broja ranks in the 86th percentile for aerials won, in the 82nd percentile for interceptions and in the 81st percentile for dribbles completed – he’s a pressing machine with a physical threat in the air and direct threat on the ball.
Whilst the Albania international only scored six Premier League goals last season, the 6 foot 2 forward allowed Southampton to launch attacks quickly from deep, becoming a huge focal point to Hasenhuttl’s style.
It is no wonder the Saints boss remains keen on a reunion with Broja this summer.
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