Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia featured for just 30 minutes as the Saints fell to a defeat against Benfica in their first pre-season game under Russell Martin.
The 19-year-old is the subject of interest from a number of top clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, with the teenager expected to leave this summer.
The Saints were relegated in a disappointing campaign last season, but Lavia was one of the shining lights, and this decision by Martin may have been made with his future in mind.
Southampton are anticipating some sizeable bids for their prize asset, and it is in everyone’s interests to keep him fit and content during the pre-season schedule, rather than excluding him from the squad entirely.
If Lavia were to pick up an injury during pre-season, his chances of a big-money transfer could be scuppered, and this could come with great financial risk to Southampton.
Martin elected to bring him on at half-time amongst a whole host of changes, but elected to withdraw Lavia in the 75th minute. He got half an hour of action under his belt, but perhaps the new manager did not want to put him at any risk of injury.
What should Lavia do?
Although very talented, the midfielder is still young and fairly inexperienced, with just one top flight season under his belt.
Whilst some top clubs are interested, the former Manchester City academy product may find himself coming under increased scrutiny, should he join Arsenal or Liverpool as an option to regularly start.
Playing under one of Jurgen Klopp or Mikel Arteta could be excellent for his development, and a move to either side would allow him to play European football alongside some top-quality players.
It is clear that he needs to leave Southampton this summer, and the Saints need to ensure that they can receive the highest transfer fee possible for the Belgian.