Yukinari Sugawara has fallen down the right-back pecking order under Will Still but PSG fans view him as a decent Achraf Hakimi backup.
Comebacks are becoming a Southampton thing lately, and interestingly, one such is happening in a defensive shake-up at the back. Still's experimentation has gone less in the last games, and the manager is locking in his choices on a preferred backline for next season.
Well, one of the striking observations in the setup has been the precedence and confidence for James Bree. Despite having struggled in his makeshift centre-back role under the previous managers, Bree is making the right flank his own again.
But though this brings the 27-year-old's new season ambitions closer, it's been a flip story for his position-mate, Yukinari Sugawara.
For the Japanese, it's another hit to his down-going Saints career after an injury surge last season. And while once hailed as the Saints' creative powerhouse down the right, Sugawara's confidence stoops at an all-time low, being sidelined for Bree recently.
Still, amusingly, this downward spiral doesn't cut off the European bias in his favour. Months ago, Napoli had come asking for Sugawara, but thought that interest could make sense on the back of a super-successful Alkmaar spell, the recent suitor for the 25-year-old will have the Saints fans laughing uncontrollably for two reasons.
Champions League winners rumoured to make a move for Sugawara
Firstly, it comes from PSG, with outlet PSG Talk suggesting the Japanese as a viable contestant to provide fitness cover for Achraf Hakimi. And while there's nothing wrong with being optimistic, the fact that Sugawara's contention has emerged for his defensive prowess would have Saints rolling.
In their own words: "A speedy wingback, Sugawara remains focused and holds his own in 1v1 duels, always remaining close to his man and preventing him from getting too much separation."
Being honest, that's obviously being too hopeful for the Saints' full-back, who struggles to cut through as a starter at St. Mary's itself. And as if anything on his defensive praise, the verdict feels a bit of mockery of Sugawara, who's had a series of comical errors compiled in his inaugural Saints season.
Needless to say, it's very likely the Saints won't get to hear anything from the European Champions themselves. Still on the silver lining of the episode, this rumour can instill confidence in Sugawara if the player realises his true abilities. Who knows, maybe he's still only a surreal season away from actually inviting an offer from PSG.