Southampton: Mario Lemina linked with Werder Bremen transfer

Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina could reportedly be a summer target for Bundesliga side Werder Bremen this summer.

According to Deichstube, Lemina’s brother (understood to be his agent) has visited Bremen to hold preliminary talks over the potential next destination for the Gabon international.

Lemina spent the 2019/20 season on loan with Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray and there was said to be an option for them to make the move permanent this summer.

However, Galatasaray cannot afford the 16 million euros clause due to the financial strains produced by the Coronavirus so other possibilities will be pursued.

Saints signed Lemina for a fee of around £15m back in 2017 but he never really grasped his opportunity fully whilst at St Mary’s. His dynamic play going forward was eye-catching at times, but his lack of intelligence and positioning when it came to defence became a concern.

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With Saints now looking to cash in on some of their unwanted players to enable more of their own signings, Lemina will surely come into this category as he appears to have no future under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

It is unknown whether another loan out or a permanent move is more likely at this stage, but he could have a real chance to help Werder Bremen rebuild ahead of the 2020/21 campaign is a move comes off.

Having previously been one of the best performing teams in Germany, Werder narrowly avoided relegation to 2.Bundesliga after winning their relegation playoff game against Heidenheim on away goals.

For that reason, they will be keen to improve the quality that they have in their squad to avoid a repeat performance in the league this time around.

It remains to be seen whether a move for Lemina will materialise in the next month or so but this transfer would certainly suit all parties involved were it to come off.