Southampton must refrain from signing free agent Nathan Redmond after watching similar-aged Ryan Fraser's struggles this season.
Almost two years ago, Southampton arguably signed their best free agent deal for the Championship, Ryan Fraser. Initially, Fraser was deemed as a Newcastle United flop whom the Saints were only signing for his Premier League tag and not as their marquee attacker.
Yet, it didn't took too long for Southampton to realise they had struck gold in a forward who can chip in with valuable goals without complaining for minutes. As a result, the Saints re-signed him as a free agent but this time, things didn't go as dreamy as planned.
Neither Russell Martin entrusted him much, nor Ivan Juric preferred him and even Fraser looked a shadow of himself in the Premier League.
Typical example of a "not all reunions end up well" and Southampton should be more careful while snapping up returning players.
Redmond signing can go wrong for Southampton like Fraser
Call it coincidence, but the Saints have another familiar fan favourite going down in the free agent pool. That former star is experienced wide attacker Nathan Redmond who has brought his Burnley association to an end following a brief stint.
Well, I'm not saying Redmond was a bad signing at St. Mary's in any aspect but he mirrors the Ryan Fraser situation in more ways than one.
Firstly, Redmond hasn't maintained an appreciable bill of health in the ongoing season which has held back Ryan Fraser too in his forgettable second spell. Secondly, bringing in an out of form player on the back of a grim Burnley stay doesn't spark much confidence in a possible deal.
Lastly, the Saints are shifting to a more youth oriented squad where emerging players like Jay Robinson and Victor Udoh must be prioritised over short-term solutions like Redmond.
After all, the bigger goal for Southampton is climbing the Premier League ladder, not the Championship one. Ultimately, let's hope that Southampton try for in-form free agents like Lawrence Shankland, if they wish to boost the experience factor in their ranks.