Southampton Set For Sentimental Reunion With Former Star

A cagey affair on Sunday afternoon saw Southampton beat Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship Play-Off final, booking their return to the Premier League.

According to a report, exclusive to the Telegraph, Russell Martin’s newly-promoted side could see a former favourite return this summer. Adam Lallana, who will soon be a free agent, was at Wembley Stadium sitting next to Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier, watching the match unfold.

The now 36-year-old will depart from Brighton and Hove Albion in a months time, leaving Lallana free to negotiate with whoever he desires. This recent emergence of a fairytale storyline could see the Southampton academy graduate return to his boyhood side, ahead of their survival bid in the top flight.

Martin will be looking for experience to assist his midfield, with the coach seemingly uncertain if Flynn Downes’ loan deal will be made permanent. Downes struggled to meet the pace of the first division during his time at West Ham United, so will likely benefit greatly from Lallana’s addition, should he return.

It is reported that talks have already taken place, meaning a pre-contract agreement could be settled soon between the two top-flight clubs. This also means that the former Champions League and Premier League winner, with Liverpool, could become the Saints’ first marquee signing of the season.

In a spell ranging from November 2007 to June 2014, Lallana made 250 appearances for the South West side, scoring 59 goals from a midfield role. The 36-year-old went through three different divisions with the Saints, before being poached by Liverpool in July 2014. From then on, the former England international played 178 times for the Reds; Lallana was an important part in a host of cup-winning seasons.

The said-to-be-returning midfielder has racked up 104 appearances in his latest spell at Brighton, but has mainly been used for experience from the bench, and coaching utility. However, Lallana could be returning to St. Mary’s to play a more important role in their battle against relegation.

Writer’s View

Despite being significantly older, Lallana could have a ‘Ross Barkley-esque’ revival to his career if a move back to his boyhood club materialises. The Saints are in search of much-needed experience, and even if the aforementioned star takes up a player-coach role, the quality is undoubtedly there.

Martin’s side could have a really solid midfield plethora going into next season, with Downes acting as the crucial number 6, Lallana coming in, and Joe Aribo and Will Smallbone impressing this season. Although, more key recruits will be needed to bolster this squad in order to stand a chance against the ever-increasing quality in the Premier League.

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