Southampton agree terms with Perraud, negotiating add-ons/bonuses now

Southampton have agreed personal terms with Stade Brest’s Romain Perraud over a potential transfer to St Mary’s.

According to a report from Football Insider, Saints have found the crucial breakthrough in talks with the 23-year-old and look set to beat Leeds United to an impressive signing.

Negotiations will now begin with Stade Brest over a transfer fee and other add-ons (L’Equipe), with fees ranging between €9m and €12m being reported in the media recently.

As looked at by Saints Marching yesterday, Perraud’s attacking influence and solid defensive contributions look to have caught the eye of Saints and he could be an excellent addition.

Complex full-backs situation for Southampton to deal with now

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

Right-back Kyle Walker-Peters was the only fit senior full-back remaining with Saints after the January transfer window last season. Ryan Bertrand’s injury caused a slight issue at left-back, although Jack Stephens and Mohammed Salisu both stepped in and performed admirably in their teammate’s absence.

Bertrand will be one of 11 players released at the end of June and Perraud looks set to be his replacement. However, there is still work to be done to sort the full-back areas for at least next season.

Yan Valery and Jake Vokins both took loan spells at Birmingham City and Sunderland respectively in January but neither player was able to make enough of an impression on their temporary sides to hold down a consistent place. It remains to be seen what the plan will be for them in 2021/22, although Vokins’ health scare does need to be taken into account.

Via a report from the Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, Saints will look to sign a backup player to cover both left and right-back positions – potentially a loan or permanent deal.

Saints have been linked to both Brandon Williams and Junior Firpo who are both right-footed left-backs and are therefore natural on both sides of a defence. Whether more links involving these two will eventually emerge remains to be seen.