Hull City captain Alfie Jones can lead Wrexham against his boyhood club, Southampton, should he complete a likely summer transfer.
Now onwards, less than 3 weeks remain in the Championship kick-off, and clearly, the opening matchday faceoffs have practically begun. Well, and who better than Southampton to affirm this, who have been provoked by Wrexham for a challenging opener.
Having sent repetitive warnings, the promotion winners certainly arrive with big plans to spoil the Saints' party. And what's intriguing? Wrexham are following in Southampton's plans to outplay them now.
Recently, the Saints were tipped to use preseason opponents Espanyol's success to their benefit, and now, it's Wrexham who try to repeat the trick ahead of a St. Mary's clash.
Ex-Staplewood graduate Alfie Jones could lead Wrexham against Saints
That's because, despite having fallen far off convincing the former Saints duo, Wrexham remain firm in presenting an ex-Saint against Southampton. And it's a former Staplewood graduate in Alfie Jones.
In a latest transfer update, Sky Sports confirmed Wrexham's pursuit of Alfie Jones, quoting: "Wrexham are weighing up a £3m offer for Hull defender Alfie Jones, report the Daily Mail."
Needless to say, facing an ex-wonderkid in experienced Championship defender Jones can surely trouble the Saints. And recognising his recent career trajectory would build up on these fears further.
In case you don't know, despite undergoing relegation last season, the 27-year-old centre-back was one of the standout performers in ex-Saints boss Ruben Selles' Hull City side. In fact, having been promoted to the Captaincy duties for a few games, Jones' talent speaks for itself in winning over Selles' trust.
Now, that's definitely not overestimating Jones' abilities while undermining the Saints, yet what falls against Southampton's favour is the fear factor associated with the first game.
It's because, with the Saints' captaincy uncertain until now, an experienced leader in Jones might face a debutant captain leading Southampton. And while the game comes as a major test for the Staplewood graduate, he has everything to win if he somehow manages to fetch some points against the Saints.
Well, realising the scenario, it could be a make-or-break opener for both Alfie Jones and Southampton. But maybe that's the bittersweet pressure the Saints need to kickstart a promotion push in the best way.