West Ham reopen the Mateus Fernandes transfer saga as the midfielder emerges as a potential successor to Saints icon James Ward-Prowse.
Recently, Southampton fans heard the update on Danny Ings' transfer saga, as the player tries to resolve a Championship move. Now, the rumour wouldn't have fit in brilliantly with the fans, yet they would love facing him which might intrigue the previous Premier League nostalgia.
But reminiscing about those days, the very next thought would have the St. Mary's faithful thinking of Ings' teammate and Saints icon James Ward-Prowse. After all, with the midfielder turning 31 this year, it won't be too long before the Saints see another of their club hero leaving West Ham.
And to say, that it's been a long while since Southampton heard of Ward Prowse's entourage, increases any such likelihood. Yet this agonising situation can turn out to be a bittersweet one.
That's because of West Ham's transfer plans as they target Saints star Mateus Fernandes to be a potential Ward-Prowse successor.
Recently, Saints Extra confirmed the Hammers' interest in Fernandes, quoting: "West Ham are ‘seriously’ looking at Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is admired by Graham Potter & among a number of midfield targets."
Saints must take Mateus Fernandes' rumour with a pinch of salt
Honestly, with Mateus touted to fill in Ward-Prowse's shoes, this update will have Saints fans on cloud nine as they imagine witnessing the new generation succeeding the older one aptly. Yet, the fact that it comes away from St. Mary's would irk them for sure.
That's because, despite only a year in stay, Mateus has become a fan favourite as they back him to succeed Ward-Prowse's legacy at St. Mary's. Needless to say, should the Saints hand the 21-year-old to the Hammers too, it would upset the supporters again who still aren't over Ward-Prowse's exit.
Well, even keeping aside the emotional connect, Mateus' departure can disrupt Southampton's sporting plans completely. With him touted to begin the approaching campaign brilliantly, the 21-year-old's unexpected exit would weigh heavily on Saints boss Still who has just begun his Saints plans.
Overall, the idea of Mateus Fernandes succeeding James Ward-Prowse must be taken with a pinch of salt by Southampton. Let's see what their next moves are.