Southampton have a long history of unearthing relatively unknown gems and turning a profit within the near future, and this isn’t set to stop, according to the latest reports.
The Saints’ season is petering out so late in the campaign. Russell Martin’s side have now picked up merely two victories in their last five league outings, putting them 12 points adrift of the final automatic promotion spot, although still with two games in hand.
A 97th-minute goal from Ipswich Town star Jeremy Sarmiento looked to be the final nail in the coffin of Southampton’s hopes of finishing inside the top two this year. Any chance of promotion will now likely come from the lottery of the play-offs.
Off the pitch, attention has already turned towards the summer transfer window as the recruitment department looks to add strength to Martin’s squad in the summer, regardless of whether the club are in the Premier League or not.
According to a report from Sam Cohen of The United Stand, the Saints have been keeping tabs on Argentinos Juniors’ 17-year-old sensation Tobias Palacio who has become a member of the first-team at the Buenos Aires club.
🚨 NEW: I'm told that Tobias Palacio, just 17, who has captained Argentina's U17 team and earned a starting spot at Argentinos, is drawing interest from clubs like Southampton and Manchester United, but remember English clubs face restrictions on signing under-18s from abroad.…
— Sam C (@SamC_reports) April 2, 2024
However, the journalist is claiming that Manchester United are also closely watching the centre-back. Nevertheless, clubs in England now face restrictions on signing players who are under 18 due to Brexit regulations, meaning Southampton may have to wait until his birthday in November to make an approach.
Palacio currently boasts a market value of £2.1 million, as per Transfermarkt, and has made 12 appearances so far. His impressive displays at the back have earned him a regular starting place in the Argentinos Juniors lineup.
Tobias Palacio (17) seems to be the next big thing out of La Paternal.
He’s put in some very mature and consistent performances at the back for Argentinos Juniors this year, and was very impressive again last night away at Instituto.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/3xWk5vU5HY
— Albert (@AlbertHltn) March 29, 2024
Writer’s View
While it may seem as though Southampton and Man United are the only clubs in the running for his signature, scouting software such as Wyscout has made it easier than ever before for teams to keep a close eye on rising talents, and Palacio is likely no different.
Nonetheless, the Saints have a proven track record of developing young players and Carlos Alcaraz already somewhat used the club as a stepping stone to join Juventus just a year after joining, meaning the club may have an edge over bigger sharks.
