The Southampton fans in the Transfer Tavern are enjoying life under Claude Puel…
The Frenchman has taken over seamlessly from Ronald Koeman, who departed for Everton over the summer, and his side are currently sitting in a very comfortable 10th place.
Things could be better, of course, but all of the Southampton fans in the Football Transfer Tavern are confident that Puel will steer them to a top-half finish by the end of the season.
One notable thing that Puel has done this season is outline a group of players that he feels is his strongest – and this core group is who has been playing most regularly thus far. As a result of this, though, there are a number of players that have found their game time limited – and this cannot be allowed to continue.
It makes sense to loan out any players that are deemed surplus at that point in time, ahead of a potential rebuild at St Marys next season.
With that said, these 2 Southampton players should plead Puel for a loan move away in January
Lloyd Isgrove
Lloyd Isgrove is 23-years-old – and is getting perilously close to the stage in which he can no longer be labelled as a player with ‘potential’.
He needs to start playing, and playing weekly – or he will simply stagnate.
He is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League for Southampton so far this season, and that speaks volumes of how little Puel rates the midfielder.
The young Welshman either needs to be sold or loaned, and considering that very few permanent deals will likely go through in January – a short-term loan move offers the best of both worlds.
If he impresses, Puel can use him next season – otherwise, he can be played in the shop window over the summer.
Jay Rodriguez
Prior to a succession of injury issues, Jay Rodriguez was flying, and was even touted for a spot with the English national team.
However, he has never really recovered – and has made just 1 Premier League start under Puel this season.
He is 27-years-old, so he is in the prime of his career, and being on the bench is not helping him.
He has all the talent, and a loan move could allow him to regain his form and fitness ahead of a triumphant return next season.
