Three Players Who Could Leave Southampton This Summer
After a fine showing in the Premier League with a decent squad at his disposal, former Nice manager Claude Puel failed to keep his job at Southampton due to a lack of progress. The Saints finished at 8th place, and will want to battle for a place in Europe next season. But like every other summer, they will find it difficult to keep hold of their star players, especially having sacked their manager.
The Saints have some serious talents in their arsenal and are a club who are happy to sell some star players to replace them with potential stars; a business model that is working well for them. So who will it be this year? Here are three players who might leave the St. Mary’s this summer.
Dusan Tadic
The Serbian winger has been used in an effective role by Puel and he has been in fine form for the Saints in front of goal. Though his return of just 3 goals and 8 assists last season is not too attractive, he has been one of the best players in the final third for the Saints and has already been linked with an exit. Liverpool are reportedly monitoring his situation and with him being 28, Southampton might be tempted to let him go for the right price.
Cedric Soares
The 25-year old right-back was the first choice for Puel last season, where he made 30 league appearances, putting in some fine performances. He is easily one of the most reliable players in this position and some of the biggest clubs in the country are already looking at the Portuguese star as a possible addition this summer. He is 25 and has a bright future ahead of him. Southampton might be able to cash in on him as he will fetch some big bucks, with more than 3 years left on his current contract with the club.
Ryan Bertrand
One player who is definitely certain to leave the club this summer is left-back Ryan Bertrand. A key part of the English national squad, Bertrand is one of the very few players in this position in the league who has been consistent for more than a year now. He has been linked with a move to Manchester City and Chelsea, and it will be interesting to see the price for which he will be sold. But surely, he will not remain a Southampton player come August.