---
title: "Southampton: Saints interested in Benfica defender Nuno Tavares"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-saints-interested-in-benfica-defender-nuno-tavares/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Sean Clifford"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-06-06T15:40:17Z"
modified: "2021-06-06T15:40:17Z"
---

# Southampton: Saints interested in Benfica defender Nuno Tavares

**Southampton are interested in signing Benfica left-back Nuno Tavares, according to O Jogo \[via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-requested-information-player-face-competition-napoli/)\].**

### The Lowdown: Departures in Hampshire

Looking ahead to the new season, the Saints will undoubtedly be looking towards acquiring reinforcements after an underwhelming [15th-placed finish](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/table) in the 2020/21 campaign, after which the club issued their retained players list, which heralded some notable absentees.

Squad members such as [Jake Hesketh](https://readsouthampton.com/2021/05/21/jake-hesketh-confirms-southampton-exit/) and [Josh Sims](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/football/portsmouth-fc/portsmouth-plotting-move-for-out-of-contract-southampton-winger-josh-sims-3261603) are among those to move on, although long-serving left-back Ryan Bertrand is the most high-profile departure \[[Southampton FC](https://www.southamptonfc.com/news/2021-06-04/southampton-football-club-2021-retained-list-released-players)\]. Set to join Leicester City on a free transfer \[[Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-leicester-city-agree-to-sign-bertrand-in-major-arsenal-blow/)\], he leaves a sizeable void in the left-back area.

Could Nuno Tavares be the man to succeed the England international at St Mary’s?

### The Latest: Saints and Napoli interested

The Saints are currently said to be monitoring Tavares alongside Italian giants Napoli \[O Jogo, via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-requested-information-player-face-competition-napoli/)\].

Seemingly, the 21-year-old could be open to a move to the south coast. Southampton are rumoured to have ‘requested information’ on the Portuguese native \[O Jogo, via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-requested-information-player-face-competition-napoli/)\]. Spectacularly, the youngster has fuelled speculation over his future after a video emerged of him complaining over his lack of first-team opportunities ahead of his positional rival Alex Grimaldo \[[Prime Time Sports](https://primetimezone.com/sports/if-its-not-benfica-its-somewhere-else-video-plot-nuno-tavares-zap/)\].

His next move ‘remains on the table’, signifying there could be some traction to these latest developments \[O Jogo, via [Sport Witness](https://sportwitness.co.uk/southampton-requested-information-player-face-competition-napoli/)\]

### The Verdict: Tavares would be a good signing, if he amends his attitude

Showing competence in attack and defence, Tavares has helped his side to earn [eight clean sheets](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nuno-tavares/leistungsdaten/spieler/535955/saison/2020/plus/1#gesamt) in 2020/21, whilst also completing 1.8 dribbles per game on average \[[WhoScored](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/379790/Show/Nuno-Tavares)\].

In terms of playing ability, the 21-year-old would probably fit nicely into the St Mary’s fold this summer. Furthermore, the advantageous nature of his age would mean a near-certainty of high resale value further down the line – he is currently valued at just £6.3m by [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nuno-tavares/profil/spieler/535955).

However, in light of the video about Grimaldo, his attitude needs work, especially in as competitive an environment as the Premier League. If Tavares could prospectively keep a lid on his temper and not land himself in hot water needlessly, he could have a very big future in the game.

**In other news, ex-Saints vice-chairman [Les Reed](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-news/exclusive-ex-saints-supremo-reed-lifts-lid-on-working-relationship-with-liebherr-e123/) lifts the lid on his relationship with the club owner.**