Southampton look set to secure their sixth signing of the summer in a move that will see Samuel Edozie reacquainted with a former nemesis.
It looks increasingly likely that Southampton will be without Kyle Walker-Peters next season, with the right-back attracting interest and entering the final year of his contract.
With West Ham United showing the greatest desire to sign Walker-Peters at this stage, Russell Martin could see his top priority signing Flynn Downes move the other way in return if a swap deal can be agreed.
Walker-Peters will need replacing, though, and Southampton look set to do that with the imminent signing of Japan international Yukinari Sugawara.
Southampton faced Yukinari Sugawara last pre-season
Sugawara is believed to have undergone his Southampton medical on Wednesday ahead of a move from AZ Alkmaar.
The Saints actually faced the Dutch side last summer, losing 1-0 at St Mary’s in their final pre-season fixture before they began their promotion-winning campaign in the Championship.
Sugawara lined up against Samuel Edozie that day and the soon to be Southampton teammates were involved in a moment of controversy in the first-half.
Edozie picked up the ball on the left wing before driving into the box towards Sugawara.
The English winger appeared to get better of the AZ Alkmaar full-back before being scythed down but, much to Edozie’s bemusement, the referee did not award a penalty for the challenge.
The moment can be seen at 0.50 of the highlights package posted on Southampton’s official Youtube channel where you can decide for yourself if the Saints should have had a spot kick.
Southampton will hope Sugawara less rash than Samuel Edozie challenge suggests
Sugawara was quick to dive into the challenge on Edozie last summer and Southampton fans will be hoping he is a little more reserved should he complete his signing as expected.
The fact the player with he most appearances in European competition in AZ Alkmaar history only received one booking in 30 Eredivisie games last season suggests this rashness was the exception rather than the rule for Sugawara.
Concentration is paramount in the Premier League and the 24-year-old will have to adapt quickly to the step up in quality from the Dutch top flight if he is to be trusted to be the Walker-Peters replacement.
Given he scored four and assisted nine in all competitions last season it would appear Sugawara is very capable going forward, so it is only going the other way that there could be concerns.