Mario Lemina’s Southampton links gather serious pace
By Chris Hughes
What started out as just a rumour could become official in the coming days, as Southampton look set to sign to Juventus’ Mario Lemina.
Yesterday it was reported that the Saints had joined a long line of clubs interested in Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina.
It was believed that alongside Everton, Southampton had joined West Ham, Stoke City and Valencia in expressing interest in the 23-year-old Gabonese international.
However in the past day a bid has seemingly been accepted by the Turin outfit from the Saints, and he could complete his move to England within the next few days.
The reported fee is 20 million euros, which works at around £16-18 million. It means that the fee would exceed Sofiane Boufal’s deal last summer, and therefore would stand as the Saints’ record signing.
Southampton have been slow to act this window in comparison to their previous two summers, meaning a marquee signing with three weeks to go until deadline day would be a huge step in the right direction.
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Sky Sports are among those now reporting the news which initially came to light yesterday, although Stoke City were believed to be leading the race for the Juve man at that point in time.
The 23-year-old made 29 appearances last season in all competitions but with a great array of midfield talent already among Juventus’ ranks, it’s believed that the former Marseille man has been told he can leave.
Lemina was only signed permanently by the Serie A champions last summer for around £9 million, but in an inflated market his value has nearly doubled after a respectable campaign in Italy.
A tall, box-to-box midfielder, Lemina is comfortable playing at either end of the pitch and could work wonderfully next to the more-rigid and defensively-orientated Oriol Romeu.