Southampton plot serious interest in Man City's Issa Kabore, but boss Still's fresh rumour take will have fans digest the links with a pinch of salt, remembering the Juma Bah failure.
Like it or not, parallel to their on-field slump post a thrilling start, Southampton's transfer plans are fading in excitement, too. Positively, still, the downturn in energy hasn't translated to the fans who see a ritual impending transfer coming soon.
Having hunted Man City talents every summer since 2022, the Saints' business feels incomplete without a few prodigies turned blue to red. And while the custom draws in enough excitement, the recent James McAtee realisation must prompt the board to complete a signing mandate.
Feels unreal, but heeding to the soaring fan demands, here we are, as Southampton push for pursuing 19-year-old Issa Kabore as the chosen one. Recently, journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the Saints' interest in him, quoting: "Issa Kabore has held talks with Southampton with Manchester City open to a loan or sale."
Well, if this wasn't exciting enough, the Saints are in for another surprise, as breaking away from the usual norm, boss Still looked loud on the upcoming transfer recently.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, the gaffer addressed the Kabore update question, saying: "Yeah, we have spoken to him. I've had quite a few players from City. I think over the past couple of years, I've always worked well with them."
Still's address ignites fears of Juma Bah reality with Kabore
Honestly, with Saints pursuing a right-back via a loan route as veteran Walker-Peters started, there's practically nothing more to ask for. But amidst this happiness wave, the fans reflect on boss Still words if they were necessary.
And that's fair enough reasons, as despite acknowledging Still's track record with ex-City talents, the manager's remark reminisces about the repressed Juma Bah anguish.
If you remember, Southampton were once touted as the favourites, the decisive stakeholders to materialise their strong Juma Bah interest. Well, sadly, that initial optimism turned out superficial, as Nice pulled off Bah under the nose of the Saints.
Truth be told, those fears are pretty much likely to reemerge with Kabore now. An upcoming defender who shares the Man City academy tag with Bah, Kabore's case feels the right-back projection of the 19-year-old. And the fact that the teenager's loan had so many suitors involved, nobody knows what awaits Saints as they push in for the 24-year-old full-back now.
Yet, maybe that's what the situation demands from Southampton should they want to bring their summer to a satisfactory close. Hoping for the Saints to pass the challenge with flying colours.