Southampton fans believe Mateus Fernandes must steer clear of Leeds United where the on-field and the previous off-field surroundings aren't suitable to get the best out of him.
Though the Arsenal game hasn't seen a downpour of official exit statements, Southampton are still braced to prepare for life without key players. Now, it isn't anything new in English football but losing difference makers all over the pitch does hurt a team's play style.
A prime example of that is runaway player of the season winner Mateus Fernandes. Although he hasn't kept his foot outside St. Mary's, no fan can deny that it's only a matter of months, if not weeks before we witness it happening.
So, the only thing Southampton fans can debate over the 20-year-old is his new destination, or better, his new Premier League outfit. Interestingly, there has been no particular winner in these fan discussions but a clear "don't sign for them" feeling is coming against one particular team.
Mateus Fernandes tipped to recall Leeds United's Cameron Archer treatment
They are Leeds United, the same ones whom Southampton overtook for last season's final Premier League spot. This time, Daniel Farke's men have completed their promotion dream but the relegation avoiding fears can't be downplayed easily.
Mirroring these thoughts, Football League World quoted fan pundit Martin Sanders: "I think Nottingham Forest would suit him, but I think that going to Leeds, a side who'll be scrapping against relegation, would demoralise him."
Further, Fernandes must recall the previous Leeds United saga where their boss Farke left no stone unturned in overcritising Cameron Archer.
Was that blunt assessment completely wrong? No, but publicly slamming an opposition player for his bad form isn't an ideal behaviour for any rival coach.
It also speaks volumes about a team's dressing room, and Fernandes must be wise to avoid getting isolated from the first-team setup at such club.
Rest, it's upto Mateus and let's hope that he prefers a young team in momentum like Nottingham Forest, or gives a second thought to staying at Southampton if he doesn't get game time guarantees at any top-flight outfit.