Southampton might potentially trade ‘exceptional’ ace in a swap deal with Premier League leaders.
Southampton might benefit on interest in one of their most precious assets this summer, as one of the traditional ‘Big Six’ is keen.
Southampton have made a solid start to their summer transfer window, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis signing permanently and Adam Lallana joining on a free transfer.
The club has also confirmed the signing of Rento Takaoka, a 17-year-old Japanese attacker who will join when he turns 18 in March 2025.
However, a handful of players may leave this summer to free up room in the squad and raise finances, including Carlos Alcaraz.
Tottenham Hotspur ‘eager’ on Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz
Southampton paid £12 million to purchase Alcaraz from Racing Club in January 2023, and despite being relegated and only 20 years old, he was one of the club’s finest performers in the second half of the season.
Alcaraz was well-liked by the St Mary’s crowd, but manager Russell Martin did not appear to think he matched his style of play, and in January the Argentine signed a surprise loan to Juventus.
The loan agreement included a rumored option to buy worth roughly £38 million, but after failing to impress in Italy, it appears unlikely that they will use that option.
An exit is still possible this summer, as Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a prospective destination, with journalist Alan Nixon saying on Patreon that the North London club is ‘eager’ on the offensive midfielder.
According to Nixon, Tottenham may use Southampton’s interest in their central defender Joe Rodon as leverage in any potential move, but with Spurs valuing Rodon at £10 million and the Saints valuing Alcaraz at £30 million, Spurs would ‘had to pay a substantial amount for the exchange to go ahead’.
Russell Martin is glad for Alcaraz to leave Southampton.
If Alcaraz can be used as a makeweight to allow Southampton to sign Rodon for about £20 million, it would be a fair deal for a player who does not look to have a future with the club.
Martin admires Alcaraz’ abilities and praised the kid when he played a false nine role in a September win over Leeds United, saying: “His mentality has been fantastic. I cast him in a part that better suits him than the others he’s recently performed.
“We wanted to free him up a little. I believe we did it, and he did an excellent job. We spent a lot of time this week going over it and watching it.
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