Sheffield United boss Ruben Selles is tipped to bring in Ainsley Maitland-Niles, who should be a St. Mary's target too.
Ever since the update of the ex-Saints Lyon duo relegated came out, Southampton fans have been in close vicinity of the situation. Yet, despite the fears, it felt certain that though much can't be said for Caleta-Car, Maitland-Niles will attract big offers.
Fast forward to now, those speculations seem not only to be proven true but in a way no supporter would have seen coming.
That's because, while Maitland-Niles has been a Gunner for most of his life, his short spell at St. Mary's is what can offer him an escape route now. Well, it's Maitland-Niles ex-boss Ruben Selles who has been cautioned to take advantage of the player's relegation for a reunion.
In case you remember, Selles considered Maitland-Niles a key player at Southampton, utilizing him consistently in the 2022/23 season. Now, the duo had a brilliant time, yet Selles wouldn't forget the last matchday where he left the player on the bench, in a thriller against Liverpool.
Well, that can't be undone, but as per EFL Analysis, Selles should compensate for his mistake by signing the 27-year-old at his new Sheffield United project.
Southampton must consider Maitland-Niles' option once
Honestly, an ex-Saint reuniting with an ex-Saint could be a fairytale reunion coming true, but interestingly, Southampton fans would want the club to not let this happen. Instead, direct Maitland-Niles back to St. Mary's itself.
It's been a long time since Southampton entered the full-back market and sadly, given the recent rejection by Max Johnston, the search continues. In such a scenario, hardly anything could be wiser than the Saints taking a shot at Maitland-Niles back again.
A 27-year-old superstar who could enter the St. Mary's dressing room as a veteran, Maitland-Niles' arrival could be a handy boost for Southampton's summer window.
But again, it's a fans would love signing. Let's see if the club sees the ex-loan star as fitting in their new Will Still project.