Within weeks of a thrilling transfer window end, Southampton may have an upcoming transfer finalised, as overjoyed Werder Bremen feel likely to exercise its permanent buy option on loanee Yukinari Sugawara.
Sounds unreal, but Saints would've hardly seen them struggle this way in the Championship as they got pipped by Hull on the road. And while the discontent is evident among the fanbase, it's time they realise it's been 5 games without a win now.
By now, it's no coincidence that Southampton's winless streak began with their squad upheaval. With new faces coming in to replace an established core, their transfer plan hasn't materialised to the results expected.
What's more agonising? The once-well-received transfer strategy has completely backfired, producing the exact opposite results as was desired. And loanee Yukinari Sugawara's turnaround at Werder proves every bit of it.
Sugawara's season start impresses new employers for permanent move
Not long ago, been laughed on at Saints, Sugawara is now winning over fans at Werder with his initial season performances. To the extent that Sugawara stands in pole contention to be the first Saint to complete a permanent move next year.
According to the Fussball Transfers(via Sport Witness), Weder has been extremely impressed with the right-back and is discussing about his €6m permanent buy option. Well, if they exercise it, Southampton can have their first transfer finalised for next summer already.
Honestly, Sugawara's resurgence would have some fans question his exit, but it's challenging to predict what was next for him in England. After all, aware of his former position-mate James Bree's situation, much can't be said if Saints took the wrong call to put him on the loan market.
Nevertheless, as it stands, Southampton should be content if they manage to cover up some losses on Sugawara's overall transfer, given they had long given up on him.
For now, Yukinari Sugawara vs his Saints successor, Mads Roerslev, remains a hot topic, and it's imminent that this discussion will prevail until Southampton get back to winning ways.