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Southampton: Maya Yoshida linked with a move to Turkey

By Ryan Borowski

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Maya Yoshida of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Maya Yoshida of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Chelsea FC at St Mary's Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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Maya Yoshida has not featured in a Premier League match for Southampton in sometime and is now linked with a move to Trabzonspor.

The Turkish side are keen on signing a central defender this month as they have struggled to keep clean sheets as of late. They currently sit in 3rd on the table and are looking to make a push for the title in the second half of the season.

Not only are the Turkish side interested in the Japanese international, it is reported Yoshida is also open to leaving in search for more playing time. At one point, it would have been a safe bet that Yoshida would have seen out his career with Southampton but sadly that no longer seems like the case.

PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
PORTSMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Maya Yoshida of Southampton looks on during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Portsmouth and Southampton at Fratton Park on September 24, 2019 in Portsmouth, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

He is 31-years-old and he will still want to play competitively while he still physically can.

The veteran defender has not played in the Premier League since October and it does not look like he will be winning his starting spot back anytime soon as Bednarek and Stephens look like they have it locked down for now.

I do not think it would be a detrimental move to the club if they let Yoshida leave the club in January. He has been a solid player for the club for many years now but it looks like his time with us is winding down as Ralph wants to go younger and more athletic.

Next. Hasenhuttl set to “meet” Spurs defender ahead of transfer. dark

If I had to guess, if Yoshida were to leave, it would be a loan move with an obligation to buy at the end. That seems like the preferred move of the club at the moment for offloading players and we could see it again this month.

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