Southampton could be without their captain Jose Fonte next season as the club and player failed to strike a contract extension, with the club allegedly unwilling to offer a longer contract to the 32-year-old. The scene points out that he could leave soon and the Portuguese will have no shortage of suitors.
The Saints had offered him a pay rise after his win at the Euros earlier this year, which brought up his wage to £80,0000-a-week. However, with his contract ending in 2018, the club hasn’t offered any extension.
The Guardian have revealed that Southampton are ready to sell Fonte coming January if they receive a suitable offer, which should be in the region of 5-6 million pounds. The Portugal international joined Southampton in 2010 from Crystal Palace and had some of his best years with the Saints.
Southampton will definitely have to go for reinforcements if that happens, as apart from the brilliant option in Virgil van Dijk, Puel has Maya Yoshida and Floris Gardos in his central defensive position. And given his knack for squad rotation, Southampton will surely experience a dearth of options down the road.
Here are 3 defenders Southampton will consider buying to replace Fonte.
Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles’s rise has been phenomenal under Rafa Benitez. He has played an instrumental part in Newcastle’s brilliant run this season in the Championship. He is one of the main pieces in Rafa Benitez’s puzzle and was handed the captaincy this season after Fabricio Coloccini left the club following relegation from Premier League last season. He blocks the ball quite well and doesn’t lose his focus during the games. The 22-year-old could be a brilliant pairing alongside van Dijk and a potential future leader.
