Southampton Likely To Miss Out On Promotion Winner This Summer

Southampton have been linked with St. Pauli star Elias Saad in recent weeks after the Tunisian helped his club return to the Bundesliga this summer, but a deal is now being described as ‘unlikely’.

The Saints are preparing to face off against Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday in what will be both sides’ most important match of the season so far. Winning in London this weekend could bear financial fruits of anywhere between £135 million to £265 million, showcasing the game’s importance to the two Championship clubs.

Southampton Set For £17 Million Cash Windfall This Summer

Nevertheless, the recruitment department will already be focusing on the summer transfer window and identifying players that can fit into Russell Martin’s system next season, provided the 38-year-old will still be in charge at the St. Mary’s Stadium.

The board will be preparing for both scenarios: playing in the Premier League and remaining in the Championship. Furthermore, the recruitment team will be forced to tailor their scouting approaches for each likely situation.

One player that has been linked with a move to Southampton is St. Pauli star Saad. According to reports in Germany earlier this week, the Saints have been weighing up making a bid for the winger over the coming months and the club on the south coast have sent scouts to watch multiple games in which the 24-year-old played.

However, German outlet MOPO have claimed that Southampton’s interest in Saad is completely wide of the mark and that St. Pauli will not listen to offers for the attacker this summer as he is a key player in their plans for the 2024/25 season back in the Bundesliga.

Writer’s View

This won’t be too damning a blow to Southampton and their plans this summer. Saad has had an impressive season in Germany, bagging nine goals and recording three assists in all competitions for St. Pauli, but if a deal with the Saints doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world.

The recruitment department, working with Martin and the board, will have a lengthy list of potential targets ahead of the transfer market reopening and so, should St. Pauli rebuff any interest in Saad, Southampton can simply move on to the next name on the list.

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