Lucas Cepeda is unlikely to feature in the fast-approaching Club World Cup meaning Southampton needs to decide whether to pounce or pass upon this tricky signing.
During mid-week, Southampton fans learned about River Plate's soaring interest in in-demand number nine Lucas Cepeda. From the Saints perspective, they will hope to utilize his best years at St. Mary's but they know that taking the immediate jump to Championship and then the Premier League has the make-or-break transfer potential.
That being said, Southampton needs Cepeda to take an intermediate step in his career and then bring his consistent and most physically sound version to St. Mary's. Something, like him joining River Plate and going shoulder to shoulder against the finest football clubs in the coming Club World Cup.
Sadly, that possibility has been dismissed according to EFL Analysis with Colo-Colo currently lacking concrete bids to even entertain in the first place.
Cepeda tipped to be denied the Club World Cup chance
Now, let's be honest, Southampton fans didn't expect to get a clear signing opportunity here which has brought more transfer headaches than enthusiasm in reality. Further, expectedly, River Plate too have finalized their Club World Cup roster meaning the Saints can't catch a glimpse of Cepeda in action there.
Just imagine, going head-to-head against the recent Champions League finalists Inter Milan and potentially the previous ones, Borussia Dortmund in the knockout stages could have been the perfect fixtures to test the 22-year-old's scoring mettle.
But now that it ain't happening, Southampton are stuck in the infamous signing catch once again.
Do they try risking £5m against Cepeda's raw talent or stay with the possible regret of giving up on one of the best strikers of the future generation. This choice isn't crystal clear and waiting to see how this saga evolves may suit Southampton better. Then, whatever they opt to do will most likely be the right call.