Southampton are ‘bidding’ to sign a top young talent from South America who they feel could be ready for the first-team despite being just 18.
Experience has been at the forefront of Russell Martin‘s mind so far this summer, with 36-year-old Adam Lallana and 30-year-old Charlie Taylor both arriving at Southampton as free agents.
30-year-old pair Saman Ghoddos and Ryan Fraser could well join them too, with Martin desperate to add Premier League know-how to his relatively young squad this summer.
However, that focus appears to have now shifted slightly, with 21-year-old centre-back Ronnie Edwards signing from Peterborough United for just £3 million on Wednesday to add to 22-year-old Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
- READ MORE: Southampton’s bargain swoop surely spells the end for player who Russell Martin dubbed ‘the boss’
Now, the club are linked with a move for an 18-year-old who could come in and make an instant impact.
Southampton ‘bidding’ for Union Santa Fe striker Jeronimo Domina
It was reported last month that Southampton were ‘in talks’ with Argentinian club Union Santa Fe regarding a move for Jeronimo Domina.
However, talks appear to have now progressed, with journalist Alan Nixon confirming via his Patreon that Southampton hoping to ‘thrash out a deal’ for ‘whizz kid striker’ Domina.
Nixon goes on to claim that the Saints are ‘hoping to add the young South American in the next dew days’ and suggests that, despite his age, Domina ‘could become part of Russell Martin’s squad immediately’.
The cost of any potential deal is unknown at this stage but it is unlikely a move would represent a significant outgoing for Southampton ahead of their Premier League return.
Is Southampton target Domina Premier League ready?
Whilst he is just 18, Domina has been playing first-team football for over a year in his homeland in the Argentine top flight.
It is likely the striker would want some kind of assurances that he would be linking up with the senior side if he were to make the move to Southampton, so it is very feasible he could go straight into Martin’s squad.
However, whether the centre-forward is ready to make any sort of immediate impact in the Premier League is doubtful.
Domina has an impressive 47 senior games under his belt for Union Santa Fe but has scored just five goals across these appearances, assisting twice.
With that in mind, the prodigy may be best served initially playing for the club’s youth side as he adapts to the shift in culture, both from a footballing perspective and socially.
However, by securing a deal this summer, the Saints could have a striker capable of leading the line for the next decade.