Southampton’s transfer pursuit for Quincy Promes took another turn of events after the Spartak Moscow striker denied allegations of having called the Saints “one of the worst clubs in the Premier League”. A Russia media outlet had reported that Promes was not interested in joining Southampton and the 26-year-old responded to an Instagram fan account, confirming that the story is false.
Does it mean both his and Southampton’s interests are aligned? Promes has been in prolific form for Moscow this season having scored 15 and assisted 8 in 26 all around appearances. The Dutchman has been capped at international level 25 times after making his debut on 5th March 2014 against France.
Promes’ professional career did not start off as smoothly as one would expect. At the age of 16, he was released from Ajax the Amsterdam-born striker was contemplating quitting the game for good. His saving grace came through when FC Twente signed him to the youth ranks. He worked his way through to the senior team and featured in 35 games netting the ball on 11 occasions.
Promes is a lethal attacker who has the versatility to break into any position of the final third. After spending his career in Europe, he is finally ready to get called up to an elite Premier League side and Southampton are desperate for his services.
The Saints are on an 11-game winless streak and have dropped to the relegation zone, just 2 points ahead of Swansea City and West Brom. The 1-2 loss to Crystal Palace caused outrage amongst the fans at St. Mary’s Stadium which was followed up by a 2-2 draw to Watford. Pellegrino’s men somehow fought back to take away another point from top-four chasing Tottenham last weekend.
With Charlie Austin sidelined and second choice duo Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini struggling to find the back of the net, fear of relegation is looming large over the St. Mary’s Stadium.
The manager has had a tough time in rotating the squad with a few key players injured and the exit of Virgil van Dijk has just compounded his troubles. Long finally ended his 35 game goal drought against Palace but it was not enough to get the side a win. Gabbiadini’s case is controversial with the limited minutes he has received so far and might just have fallen out of favour with Pellegrino.
Promes is in red-hot form, which is a factor in helping a striker break into the English game as early as possible. After spending 6 seasons in the Premier League and establishing themselves as a mid-table club, Southampton would not enjoy the drop to the Championship. Maybe they should not waste any more time and snap up the opportunity to sign the talented Dutchman.
