Southampton may have been put off pursuing one of their summer transfer targets after his struggles at Euro 2024.
Southampton are not very well represented at the Euros in Germany, particularly now that Jan Bednarek’s Poland have been knocked out.
Add to that the fact that out of contract duo Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong have also crashed out the tournament with Scotland and there is little Southampton-related interest in the summer showpiece.
However, recruitment teams all over the world will be keeping a keen eye on the tournament as they eye new signings this summer.
For Southampton, though, it could be the case that one player’s displays have actually put them off a potential target.
Armando Broja struggles at Euro 2024 amid Southampton return talk
Southampton have been linked with a move for former loanee Armando Broja this summer as Russell Martin attempts to add more firepower ahead of a Premier League return.
Broja had a decent loan spell at St Mary’s in the 2021/22 season, scoring nine goals in all competitions, but has seen his career stall since.
It looks as though the 22-year-old will leave Chelsea this summer, with the Stamford Bridge club said to value the striker at around £35 million.
Any attempts to put himself in the shop window at Euro 2024 have not proved fruitful for Broja, as he was been poor for Albania as they suffered a group stage exit.
The Chelsea forward started the first game against Italy and cut a frustrated figure up front as his side lost 2-1 before being dropped to the bench for the remaining two games; replaced by Sivasspor striker Rey Manaj.
Southampton should avoid Broja this summer
With a price tag of £35 million, singing Broja would take up a huge chunk of Southampton’s summer transfer budget.
Given the forward’s displays at the Euros, combined with the fact he has scored just three goals in the two years since returning from his Southampton loan, Martin should steer well clear.
The Saints undoubtedly need to sign a striker this summer – and maybe two – but they need that player to be a proven goalscorer who can help fire them to safety.
All the evidence suggests that Broja is not that and they should instead allow another Premier League team to take the risk in shelling out an inflated fee for the youngster.
Another former striker that has been linked with a return is Danny Ings.
Having left the club for Aston Villa in 2021, Ings’ return would be divisive amongst the St Mary’s faithful but he will be available for around £6 million and has previous of keeping Southampton up with his goals.
At 31, he should arguably not be the main striker signing this summer but he could prove an invaluable back up.