Lee Hendrie tips Southampton will fall short of retaining Kamaldeen Sulemana this summer whereas, in reality, the Saints themselves wish to offload him at the earliest.
Very recently, Southampton downturned Atalanta's transfer offer worth £10m for Kamaldeen Sulemana. Yet, neither the club nor any fan would be second-guessing this response decision against Ivan Juric led Serie A side.
That's because while Southampton has had enough of Sulemana, they feel no pressure to depart him quickly.
Now the Saints' stance on the winger couldn't be clearer, and that's why they are tipped to get bothered by the recent twist in Sulemana's departure saga.
Honestly, most Saints fans would admit that no matter his performances, Sulemana has enjoyed a star status throughout his St. Mary's spell. Be it him singing his praises or his entourage calling for a top transfer, supporters have got fed up with the controversial episodes around Sulemana.
Needless to say, how could the 23-year-old's tenure come to an end with a silent transfer? But this time, it's not his entourage but pundit Lee Hendrie who has projected the player's case far above his actual reality.
Hendrie's Sulemana verdict may impact Southampton's plans
Recently, speaking to Football League World, Hendrie looked biased in Sulemana's praise of his ongoing transfer saga, saying: "He's got lots of potential. I think it'd be a good signing for Atalanta. I just can't see Southampton being able to keep hold of him. I really can't."
Honestly, for Southampton who have been making efforts to part ways with Sulemana themselves, this statement would pinch them for sure. But while it takes a toll on them emotionally, it impacts them financially even more.
That's because this comment motivates Atalanta who have been underpricing negotiations for Sulemana with the Saints. And while the former were declined for their first bid, they might return with similar offers to frustrate Southampton into accepting to depart Sulemana eventually.
Well, the Saints still have 10 weeks of action to close Sulemana transfer saga in the summer window. But the sooner it happens, the better.