The Saints might strike a bargain…
As Southampton try to achieve promotion to the Championship at the first attempt, their focus has apparently moved to a player who is well-versed in the play-offs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Southampton transfer news
Much of Southampton’s summer transfer business could be determined by whether they win promotion or endure the heartbreak of the play-offs this season, but that hasn’t stopped the gossip mill from getting started. The Saints have already been linked with signing Karamoko Dembele and Vizela captain Samu in two transfers that would strengthen Russell Martin’s team.
The spotlight hasn’t just been on incomings, with Armel Bella-Kotchap recently linked with a permanent move to Galatasaray following a difficult loan spell at PSV Eindhoven. The central defender’s future at St Mary’s will most likely be determined by Premier League football.
In truth, with promotion still on the line, Southampton would be prudent to consider what their team may look like if they were forced to play in the Championship for the second consecutive season. They would be wise to focus their efforts on players who can excel not just in England’s second division but also in the top flight, which is where Kemar Roofe may come in.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Southampton are now interested in signing Roofe on a free transfer because his current Rangers contract expires this summer. Those at St Mary’s apparently consider him one of the top free agents available and will try to stave off interest from Fulham Sheffield United and Queens Park Rangers in pursuit of his signature.
The veteran forward knows where the back of the goal is in the Championship, having previously played for Leeds United, who made the play-offs in the 2018/19 season. Now 31, he could be returning to English football.
“Important” Roofe would add key experience for Southampton
As excellent as Southampton has been at times this season, they have lacked the experience required to acquire consistency in their chase of the automatic promotion positions, forcing them to settle for a play-off spot instead. However, a player of Roofe’s caliber may remedy that problem this summer at a very low cost.
Former Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst praised the forward during his tenure at the club, telling FourFourTwo: “Kemar is very important.” He has struggled with ailments in recent months, but he is still working hard on the training ground to prepare.
“I gave him a compliment in the locker room because it is not easy, especially for the players who haven’t played a lot in recent weeks, to keep training hard and wait for your chance.”
Roofe’s goalscoring talent in the second tier has previously been demonstrated with 29 goals and 11 assists in 110 games for Leeds in the Championship, and Southampton may benefit from it next season.
