Southampton are now prepared to part ways with one of Russell Martin’s key players this summer, according to reports.
After beating Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship Play-Off Final, Southampton will have their minds firmly on preparing for the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Russell Martin will hope to have a busy summer in the transfer window at St Mary’s, with incomings and outgoings expected as the Saints return to the top flight.
While the manager and club will be eager to retain their best players as well as welcome new faces, reports now suggest that one key star could be offloaded this summer.
Why Southampton could sell Jan Bednarek this summer
As reported by journalist Alan Nixon, Southampton could be tempted to sell Jan Bednarek in the transfer window for one key reason.
Nixon’s report claims that the Saints may ‘cash in’ on the ‘key’ Poland international due to the fact that he is about to enter the final year of his contract at St Mary’s.
Last summer, The Athletic reported that Bednarek was one of Southampton’s centre-backs to field interest from European clubs, suggesting that there may be potential suitors out there for the defender.
With 220 Southampton appearances to his name, via Transfermarkt, it would be a shock to see Martin part ways with his key central defender. However, due to his contract running down, now would be the time to attempt to acquire some profit.
Southampton’s defence needs some thought if Bednarek is to depart
Bearing in mind that Fabrizio Romano reported that Armel Bella-Kotchap is expected to leave Southampton this summer, Martin will need to revise Saints’ options before sanctioning a move for Bednarek.
Bella-Kotchap’s expected exit along with Duje Caleta-Car’s uncertain future could leave the boss three quality defenders short ahead of 2024/25.
While Southampton did just fine without the duo, losing the Poland international too will require replenishments at the back, particularly when contending with a far greater quality of opposition next season.
Considering that Russell Martin admitted he loves ‘working with’ Bednarek at St Mary’s, it would be a great shame to see the Saints veteran depart although, if an honourable fee is received, an exit could make sense.
Signed for just £5m, Southampton will be hopeful of making a profit on the 28-year-old if he is to exit this summer.
Only time will tell if the Saints do part ways with Bednarek, with a lot of attention set to be on Southampton’s back line in the upcoming transfer window.