Southampton have been linked to a truly remarkable transfer swoop, involving a current Real Madrid superstar. The Saints face competition from AS Roma and Real Valladolid.
Bet you didn't expect to read Southampton and Real Madrid in the same sentence when you woke up this morning, right Saints fans?
Well, there is a particularly interesting transfer story doing the rounds this week, which appeals to both Southampton fans and Real Madrid fans.
It was not expected that the two clubs would cross paths. Real Madrid are champions of La Liga and the Champions League, whereas Southampton are rock-bottom of the Premier League.
Still, Southampton might have their own taste of Galactico magic in the upcoming transfer windows...
Southampton linked to unthinkable Real Madrid transfer swoop
According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, Southampton are one of the clubs linked to signing Endrick of Real Madrid. It is believed Endrick will leave Real Madrid on loan, with the Saints interested in signing him.
Playing for Southampton would definitely be a learning curve for Endrick. He may be used to playing flashy football under the sun of the Spanish capital but can he do it on a rainy Monday night at St Marys Stadium?
Well, Endrick is certainly a player who is hungry to reach the top level of the game. However, he might need to take one (or two, or three) steps back, and play at the required level within the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Endrick has already scored in the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid. It was an incredible moment which showcased his confidence as he had the option to pass the ball out wide to Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Junior but instead, took on the shot from outside the box and scored.
This must not be misconstrued as cockiness. It was confidence, which paid off.
So, if Endrick were to join Southampton on loan, he would go from playing alongside Vini and Mbappe to playing alongside Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong. I guess, if we're being unbias for a second, we have to say that's quite a difference.
Needless to say, though, we would welcome Endrick with open arms. If he wants to bring his Brazilian flair to the south of England, who would we be to turn down that opportunity?
Still, we won't get our hopes up. It's nice to be linked alongside the likes of AS Roma and Real Valladolid for a Real Madrid prodigy, but it does feel completely unlike Southampton to be saying that. That said, stranger loan transfers have happened.