With the addition of Premier League money, Southampton can now begin working on recruiting players to strengthen the squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
Following Sunday’s narrow 1-0 win over Leeds United at Wembley Stadium in the play-off final, the Saints managed to earn promotion back to the top-flight after merely one season in the Championship. Top goalscorer Adam Armstrong bagged the all-important goal for Russell Martin’s side.
Southampton Face European Competition For £6 Million Gem With 25 Goals
As a result, Southampton triggered the £20 million obligation-to-buy clause which was inserted into Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan agreement when he moved to the St. Mary’s Stadium from European champions Manchester City at the beginning of the season. Now, the 22-year-old centre-back will be signed permanently this summer.
However, Harwood-Bellis may not be the only £20 million player coming through the doors, according to the latest reports. The Daily Echo revealed on Tuesday that the Saints are keeping tabs on Jack Clarke’s situation with Championship outfit Sunderland as the winger is likely to leave the Stadium of Light. This report was backed up by The Telegraph, which stated that Martin has added Clarke to his shortlist of attacking targets.
Furthermore, The Telegraph have revealed that the club on the south coast are in talks with Adam Lallana over a possible return to the St. Mary’s, having previously left back in 2014 to join Liverpool where he enjoyed a successful, trophy-laden career.
Clarke is one of the most wanted Championship players this summer. The winger bagged 15 goals and recorded four assists in all competitions for the Black Cats which was more than double the club’s second-highest goalscorer, Jobe Bellingham. Southampton face stiff competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, with Wolverhampton Wandereres, Everton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United also circling like sharks.
Writer’s View
It has been reported in the media that Sunderland are holding out for £20 million for Clarke. However, with the sheer quantity of teams interested in the attacker, clubs may be forced into a bidding war for his services which may take the figure beyond its initial price.
Given some clubs interested in Clarke have been in the Premier League for several seasons, Southampton will be the underdogs in this race. Nevertheless, perhaps Martin can offer him the prospect of being the most important player on the team, something that the other suitors cannot offer him.
