Southampton sensation Carlos Alcaraz reportedly wants to stay at the club for another season despite their relegation to the Championship, but the club may consider cashing in on him whilst his value is high.
The 20-year-old joined from Argentinian side Racing Club in January, and was an instant hit, scoring four goals and providing two assists in 21 games, but he could not prevent the Saints from finishing bottom of the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder has already shown his remarkable talent, and is attracting interest from elsewhere. Given that Southampton will be in the Championship next season, it would have been no surprise to see him push for an exit this summer.
However, Jacob Tanswell has reported in The Athletic that Alcaraz is happy to stay for another season. Given his age and the fact that he is adapting from Argentinian football, his entourage see the benefit in continuity in a familiar environment, and a season of regular game time in the Championship could aid his development well.
The problem he faces is that he is now one of Southampton’s most sellable assets, and if a good offer arrives for him, the club may be tempted to let him go.
What should Southampton do?
Alcaraz has four years left on his deal at St Mary’s, and has the quality to thrive in the Championship. If keeping him can help fire Russell Martin’s side to promotion, it will likely be worth a lot more than any transfer offer they receive.
If Southampton keep him and fail to get promoted, there will be no shortage of interest in the Argentinian if he performs well, and the Saints can still obtain a good fee for him in 12 months’ time.
Alcaraz may indeed benefit from another season in a young team which is gunning for promotion, and if Southampton return to the Premier League, then it seems likely that they will be able to keep their starlet.
Unless a significant offer arrives this summer, Southampton should aim to keep hold of one of their prize assets, in a summer which could see a lot of key players exit.