Why Southampton must persuade Cedric Soares to continue at the club
A report from the Telegraph suggests that in a recent interview, the Portuguese has said that he would leave Southampton at the end of the season but that he is focused on saving them from relegation right now.
The 28-year-old’s contract with Southampton runs out this summer and he is keen on moving out from the St. Mary’s stadium in order to take his career to the next level.
Southampton, at present are trying to move out from the relegation zone in the Premier League. With just two wins from 11 matches in the league, the Saints are having a poor run of form. Just like last year, they are fighting to be saved from relegation.
Ralph Hasenhuttl was appointed as the manager of the club last December and has helped them overcome relegation last season. This season has also started in the worst possible way and does not look good for the team.
They haven’t won any of their last five games and with just one match ending in a draw, Hasenhuttl hasn’t made any difference to Southampton. Their worst ever defeat came this season when they lost 9-0 to Leicester City in the league.
However, Soares’ admission is a sign of worse things to come for Southampton. Cedric Soares moved from Sporting CP to Southampton in the summer of 2015 and has been one of the mainstays for them.
Having played 124 games for the Saints in his four years with them, Soares has adapted to the Premier League and has gained immense experience by playing in the toughest league in Europe.
Soares was an important player for the Portugal national team that won the Euro 2016 after a dramatic extra-time winner against France in the final. He represented Portugal in the 2018 World Cup and was impressive in their run to the quarter-finals.
He then had to compete with the likes of Nelson Semedo and Joao Cancelo for his spot, which he couldn’t do for longer due to injuries that halted his progression. His short loan spell with Inter Milan helped them secure a Champions League spot.
The right-back had only three outings this season for the Saints due to his injury and was not a part of the squad that lost heavily to Leicester. He has been sidelined again due to an injury he picked up earlier.
Naturally a right-back, Soares has been deployed in the right midfield position too and has performed quite well in that position. He has made an impact on the right side of the pitch on most occasions and is considered as a decent defender.
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Verdict
Southampton must persuade the 28-year-old to change his mind and extend his contract with the club. In Soares, Southampton will have an experienced right-back to lead them in the right way and avoid any chances of relegation in the future.