Southampton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are beginning to feel like it’s Groundhog Day, and not just because they spend most of their time sipping ale at the bar whilst keeping up with the latest gossip.
Indeed, since returning to the Premier League in summer 2012, the Saints have reluctantly sold their key players practically every summer – with Sadio Mane, who joined Liverpool at the start of the season, their latest high profile departure.
The south coast club have struggled to hold off big-name clubs targeting their top assets and it appears that could well be the situation in the next transfer window as well, amid reports from The Sun claiming duo Oriol Romeu and Cedric Soares are being eyed by Barcelona.
Anchorman Romeu began his career at the Nou Camp, rising through the ranks with Barcelona B and even making two outings for the first team, before switching to Chelsea in summer 2011. He’s reportedly seen as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Right-back Soares, meanwhile, has frequently impressed during his time at St. Mary’s, averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.5 created chances per match this season, and lifted the Euro 2016 title with Portugal last summer. Barca are still yet to find their successor to Dani Alves, with Sergi Roberto struggling to fill the void this season.
Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger told talkSPORT last week that the club are reluctant to let key players leave this summer. But as arguably the biggest team in world football, the EFL Cup runners-up may struggle to resist any Barcelona advances for the in-form pair.
Should Southampton cash in on the duo, Saints fans? Let us know by commenting below!
