Southampton: Would losing Lemina be such a bad thing?

Yesterday afternoon it was reported that Napoli has begun ‘informal discussions’ with Southampton’s Mario Lemina.

The exclusive report came from GFFN, who claim that the Italian side are interested in bringing the 24-year-old back to the league he left just under a year ago.

The idea of Lemina joining Napoli isn’t totally unrealistic – the Gabonese international has struggled for consistent form and the team in question could be looking for a new midfielder with Jorginho highly coveted by some of England’s top sides.

Initial fan response suggested that the Saints would be making a huge mistake in selling him, especially given the glimpses of brilliance the midfielder has shown at times this past campaign.

However, would it really be a great loss to lose the midfielder?

Next: Reported Saints target apparently has low release clause

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Mario Lemina of Southampton shoots as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Wembley Stadium on December 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

The Saints midfielder showed glimmers at the start of the season that he was perhaps the best centre-midfielder the club had ever had since their return to the top flight. As a result, it seems greatly unwise to sell him as it was most likely injuries and confidence that resulted in his poor form in the last months of the season.

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Considering Napoli are keen on him, and Liverpool and Arsenal have been loosely linked with him in the past, Lemina must have some serious quality, especially as he previously played for Marseille before being signed by Juventus.

However, what can’t be ignored is how impressive Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been since December – he’s arguably been the side’s best midfielder since the turn of the year. In addition, Harrison Reed has had a superb season on loan in the Championship, and as a result could stake a claim for a first-team spot next year.

All of that combined with the fact that Oriol Romeu could yet have a campaign like the one he enjoyed in 2016/17, and Southampton have a midfield they could be proud of, without even including Steven Davis and James Ward-Prowse.

As a result the side may be able to get rid of Mario Lemina IF the right offer is made – what we have to consider if how unsettled the 24-year-old may get if the Saints play hardball with a legitimate offer from Napoli or any other side for that matter.