Journalist Tom Barclay has been left shocked by some exit news out of Southampton involving one player who has been a ‘key figure’ at points under Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Lowdown: The Athletic claim emerges…
There are many current Saints players who could leave the south coast club by the end of 2021/2022, especially in the goalkeeping department, with as many as four shot stoppers out of contract in June.
Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster, Willy Caballero and Harry Lewis are all in danger of leaving on Bosmans as things stand – while the likes of Jack Stephens and Shane Long also see their deals expire before July 1 (Transfermarkt).
The Athletic, making a recent claim, say that yet more players could depart Hasenhuttl’s squad this summer – including Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott and Nathan Redmond as the Saints become open to offers for all three.
The trio are out of contract in 2023, prompting Saints chief Martin Semmens to try and make money off their sales whilst it is still possible, but Barclay insists Redmond’s inclusion is a ‘surprising’ one.
The Latest: Barclay shocked by Redmond exit news…
Speaking to GiveMeSport, The Sun reporter claims the 28-year-old’s potential exit is a shock due to him being ‘quite a key figure’ at points over 2021/2022.
He explained: “Redmond, he’s probably the most surprising one in a way because he was actually quite a key figure early in the season.
“He’s got a nice versatility to him, the fact that he can play in that wide left role, on the right as well, and can play off a front-man.
“And he was having quite a nice combination with Broja, particularly when Broja was really playing well. If anything, perhaps that combination was working best for Broja.”
The Verdict: Stick or twist?
The winger, valued at around £16.2 million by Transfermarkt, is also in the prime of his career and homegrown – putting Semmens and Southampton in a position to command reasonable price tags this summer.
Supporters will also remember Redmond being complimented personally by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who advised the forward to attack his Sky Blues side more whilst raving over his qualities as a young English player at the time (BBC).
His versatility, having played in almost every attacking midfield position and further forward (Transfermarkt), will also be a major attraction to interested clubs.
Unless Southampton can agree an extension, with time running out before he’s a free agent at the end of next season, we believe now is the right time to cash in.
In other news: Journalist: Southampton enter mix to sign ‘sensational’ and ‘flawless’ player from huge club! Find out more here.
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