Southampton are set to hold talks with Juventus in the near future about possibly extending Carlos Alcaraz’s loan spell in Turin, according to reports in Italy.
Following a dreadful run of form, which includes three consecutive defeats, the Saints have found themselves completely out of the race for the automatic promotion places. The club will now go through the lottery of the play-offs in order to seal promotion back to the Premier League.
One of the key concerns surrounding Southampton potentially remaining in the Championship for another season is that parachute payments will be greatly reduced, meaning the club could be forced to offload several key players over the summer.
One man who is set to depart from the St. Mary’s Stadium is Che Adams as his contract expires at the end of the campaign. Head coach Russell Martin also recently admitted that Kyle Walker-Peters could leave the club should they fail to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
“I think if we get promoted it becomes a lot easier to keep him,” the manager said.
“If we don’t, we won’t keep hold of Kyle. There’s no point in pretending otherwise really, financially for the club and Kyle’s ambitions as well.”
Another name that may not return ahead of the 2024/25 campaign is Alcaraz. According to a report from Il Bianconero, via Sport Witness, the Saints will meet with Juventus over the coming weeks as the Italian giants are looking to extend the midfielder’s loan into the following season.
Southampton have their breakthrough as Carlos Alcaraz puts them ahead!! 💪 pic.twitter.com/AcAJpibvR0
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 4, 2023
The Argentine moved to Turin at the end of the winter transfer window on a six-month loan but the Bianconeri have the option to buy him for £40 million. However, the club are not willing to sign the 22-year-old permanently right now, as has been widely reported in Italy.
Writer’s View
Allowing Alcaraz to move back to Juventus on loan could depend on whether or not Southampton return to the Premier League this month. Should they remain in the second tier, it is difficult to see how another loan deal benefits them financially.
If parachute payments are reduced, the club could sell Alcaraz for a lot of money which would massively help their books as they look to juggle an already high wage bill filled with former Premier League talents.
Be the first to comment