Southampton do not want to lose any of their first team squad this January transfer window, but their resolve may be tested with a late bid.
Much of the transfer speculation relating to Southampton this month has revolved around incomings. Joe Rothwell has come in on loan and, if reports are to be believed, is about to be joined by David Brooks from parent club Bournemouth.
The main concern for Russell Martin this month is the potential departures of Kyle Walker-Peters and Che Adams. The pair’s situations are very different, with Adams available for a cut-price fee due to the fact his contract will expire in the summer. Walker-Peters is settled at the Saints, but a big Premier League offer could change that and see Southampton’s star man leave.
With Southampton hoping for a quiet end to the transfer window, new reports of clubs weighing up a late move for one of their biggest young talents will not be welcomed by the club.
Could Carlos Alcaraz leave Southampton this month?
According to AS, Nottingham Forest are eyeing up a move for Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz ahead of Thursday’s 11pm transfer deadline.
Reports suggest that Forest see the 21-year-old as a ‘luxury reinforcement’ who could help them stay in the Premier League this season by providing a spark from midfield.
Despite Martin describing Alcaraz as a “fantastic young talent with huge potential”, the Argentine has not been able to break into the starting line-up on a regular basis over the past two months and has found his role reduced due to the form of Stuart Armstrong. Martin sees Alcaraz and Armstrong as directly competing for the most advanced midfield role, although Alcaraz did show his best form this season operating as a false nine earlier in the campaign.
Despite his obvious talent, Alcaraz has started just once in the Saints’ last eight league games, seeing his opportunities limited primarily to cup games and cameos off the bench. He has started 13 Championship games this season, but the recent form of Adams has seen Martin prefer a conventional centre forward.
There is a school of thought that the off the cuff nature of Alcaraz’ play that makes him so exciting means Martin is less inclined to play him, given the Saints boss prefers consistency and players that perform as instructed. The fact that Alcaraz is not an English speaker also does not help, with Martin and his staff having difficulty conveying their message to the youngster; although Alcaraz’ English is improving.
Southampton paid £12.3 million to bring Alcaraz to England from Racing Club in his homeland in January and he was one of the few positives from a dismal season with his four goals and two assists in the Premier League. He has already surpassed his goal contributions from last season in this, with four goals and three assists in all competitions so far. Unsurprisingly, especially given his lack of starts this season, a move to the Premier League ‘tempts’ the midfielder.
There is also reportedly interest from France, with Lyon and Marseille keeping tabs on Alcaraz. However, given his desire to return to the Premier League a move seems unlikely.
After earning his first call-up to the Argentina squad in October, Alcaraz seemingly committed his future to Southampton by signing a new five-year deal.
With Southampton looking like a team determined to return to the top flight at the first attempt given their current record-breaking unbeaten run, Alcaraz could achieve his dream of a return to the Premier League without moving this month.
The current regime under Martin clearly do not feel they can trust Alcaraz enough for him to be a consistent starter and that is a stance that could frustrate the player into considering a move. Whilst the player has settled into life on the south coast, if Nottingham Forest were to come in with a good offer then it may be difficult for Alcaraz to turn down.