Southampton have ended another season in the Premier League, one which could have been much better than a finish at the eighth position but for the injuries to a number of their players who were in good form along with the inability to win close matches. However, the Saints are looking to turn things around in the next one and for that, are looking to bring in a number of good players who have played a major role for their respective clubs from all over Europe.
One such player is the Danish striker Martin Braithwaite currently playing for the French club Toulouse. The 25-year-old marksman played a pivotal role in the current season for the French Ligue 1 club and has been scoring goals regularly. Braithwaite scored 11 goals for his club in 34 appearances throughout the season and is currently being considered as one of the most highly rated players all over Europe.
While West Ham United are also expected to bid for the Danish youngster in the next summer transfer market, the Saints have been considered as one of the favourites to bag the striker. The South Coast club is in dire need of a good player up front who can score goals for them and they can look forward to the Toulouse striker to add some productivity in front of goal.
The mercurial forward has a contract with his current club which sees him staying with them till 2019. However, Toulouse might, reportedly, let go of the striker this summer in case they get the right price.
Southampton can pick up the Danish striker to be a part of their line-up for the next season, spearheading the attack alongside Englishman Charlie Austin, who has been in good form but has missed much of the last season due to a prolonged injury.
Reportedly, Toulouse has put up a price tag of £8 million on their prized possession. Given the financial situation the Saints are in, it should not be a problem for them to secure the signature of the Dane on the agreement paper.
It goes without saying that the injuries to the two most reliable players up front, Manolo Gabbiadini and Charlie Austin, have been a big detriment to Claude Puel’s team’s performances in the recently concluded season. However, the addition of Braithwaite to their lineup can improve the squad and help them fight for a place in Europe and show some progress next season.
