Weighing up the pros and cons of Jay Rodriguez leaving Southampton

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Jay Rodriguez of Southampton (C) celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Maya Yoshida of Southampton (R) during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Jay Rodriguez of Southampton (C) celebrates scoring his sides second goal with Maya Yoshida of Southampton (R) during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Southampton at Vitality Stadium on December 18, 2016 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) /
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MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Jay Rodriguez of Southampton celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his Southampton team mates during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Southampton at Riverside Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – MAY 13: Jay Rodriguez of Southampton celebrates scoring his sides first goal with his Southampton team mates during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Southampton at Riverside Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /

Pros

In my opinion, this deal benefits all those included. It benefits the player as Jay now has the chance to play regular football with opportunities minimal at Saints. This was due to the English striker having to compete with quality strikers in the likes of Austin and Gabbiadini.

Now, at a team like West Brom, he has no other considerable competition with Venezuelan Salomon Rondon the only meaningful competitor.

Moreover, this change could help in the long haul with the opportunity to get chances in the England national team. It gives Rodriguez a chance to get back to his 2013/14 best where he was scoring goals and raised his international standing.

As stated earlier, it would largely benefit the club. Many fans state that the club are getting the better end of the £12 million rising to £15 million deal. This is because this past season, it has become obvious to some that Jay is a shadow of his former self and that he’s somewhat lost his legs.

And obviously, Southampton can then use the £12 million to get a suitable replacement in to take Jays position in the squad. With rumoured targets such as Grègoire Defrel being linked to Saints.