Southampton have been rocked late in the window by Kamaldeen Sulemana who has submitted a transfer request.
According to The Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell, the winger wants to depart St Mary’s before Friday’s deadline.
Despite this, as seen with the Armel Bella-Kotchap situation, Southampton are under no pressure to sell.
The Saints are said to be unwilling to accept any offer which comes in lower than the wingers release clause which stands at £30million.
Southampton will be keen to retain possession of Sulemana this late in the window.
But like many player who have been sold this summer, Southampton’s hand could be forced into letting him go.
What would Southampton do if he left?
At such a late stage in the window, bringing in a quality replacement for Sulemana would be incredibly difficult.
To answer this, they wouldn’t need to as he hasn’t been featuring this season for the Saints.
Therefore with the results coming in already and without the Ghanian being involved, selling him could be a good option for the Saints.
He would free up funds which could then be used in January once weaknesses are identified or by bringing in a few players to strengthen now ahead of the season.
The one factor we can see prohibiting a sale however, is that Nathan Tella has just left for Bayer Leverkusen.
This would mean two last minute departures on the wings for Southampton, which would leave them in a sticky situation.
Samuel Edozie is the ready made replacement and has already established himself as the next one up here.
But selling at this stage is never ideal regardless of the situation.