Sport Republic could see the benefit of their multi-club ownership model with a Southampton player potential making the move to Goztepe.
Southampton and Goztepe are two of Sport Republic’s two clubs, with the third being Valenciennes who have just been relegated to the French third tier.
In stark contrast, both the Saints and Goztepe have been promoted to their countries’ respective first divisions.
Goztepe have had goalkeeper Mateusz Lis on loan from Southampton this season – and he looks set to return next season – but now another player could make the move from the English south coast to Turkey.
- READ MORE: Southampton now ‘suitors’ to sign Liverpool ‘beast’ as they learn eight-figure asking price
Sekou Mara could leave Southampton for Goztepe
That player is Sekou Mara, with the 21-year-old recently not making the match day squad as Southampton secured promotion via the Championship play-off final.
Goztepe president Rasmus Andersen and sporting director Ivan Mance were at the Wembley final to support Southampton, with discussions regarding possible transfers between the two clubs taking place after the win.
Lis was understandably high on the agenda, but the other name mentioned was Mara; the Frenchman unlikely to be depended on by Russell Martin in the Premier League.
According to Turkish news outlet Ege Postas, translated to English: “The clubs managed by the same company discussed the transfer of goalkeeper Mateuzs Lis and French striker Sekou Mara.
“The parties agreed on everything for Lis, who came on loan from Southampton at the beginning of last season, to continue his career in Göztepe in the new season. It was reported that Göztepe staff wanted to bring 21-year-old French striker Mara to the Yellow-Reds on loan.”
The report also suggests Southampton themselves welcome the opportunity for Mara to play regularly in the Turkish top flight.
The structure of any deal is not yet known, whether that be a loan or a transfer between the two clubs, with the multi-club ownership model somewhat murky when it comes to transfers.
Southampton running out of patience with Mara
Southampton beat a number of clubs in France to sign Mara for £11 million from Bordeaux in 2022 but he has struggled to live up to the early promise.
Whilst it should not be forgotten that he is still only 21, Mara has flattered to deceive on far too many occasions for Martin to feel he can rely on the striker.
After struggling for game time, Mara impressed with a few bright cameos off the bench during the festive period this season, but failed to build on that when handed starting opportunities.
The France under-21 international was again linked with a loan move away from the club in the lead up to the January transfer window but Martin was quick to shut this down at the time, saying:
“He is a really good footballer, a good technician, and a brilliant athlete. I really liked his performance against Walsall.
“I really rate Sekou and he has not had a huge amount of minutes, but he is coming more to the fore now and forcing his way into reckoning.
“He’s not going anywhere, no. It would be mad, wouldn’t it?”
However, since then Mara has made little impact and it is difficult to see how he will progress with rare appearances off the bench in the Premier League.
On that basis, perhaps it is best for all parties if he is given the chance to play regularly for Goztepe.