Southampton's wishlist name, Tyler Goodrham, can be a potential Mateus Fernandes replacement in case the latter leaves Southampton this summer.
Very recently, Southampton received a transfer interest that must've sent shock waves among the club board. Not because it was surprising, but as Nottingham came tracking for their best player this season, Mateus Fernandes.
Just imagine how Saints fans will feel, watching the talented midfielder win Southampton's Player of the Year award in his debut season, but knowing that he is to leave soon.
While a move here can be a significant one in Fernandes' career, it will be a major step back for the Saints. In fact, arguably, an even bigger one than the departures of Aaron Ramsdale and Tyler Dibling, combined.
Needless to say, Southampton need a replacement signing soon. But what coincidence that they are tipped to pursue prodigy Tyler Dibling's namesake to count for his teammate Fernandes' summer departure.
Ok, let's break the suspense. Southampton are linked to Championship talent Tyler Goodrham to replace their valuable mainstay, Mateus Fernandes.
Southampton tipped to pursue Tyler Goodrham as Fernandes' successor
As per Football League World, Southampton is among the clubs active in the race for the versatile rising star, Goodrham. Having the ability to control the game from multiple positions, the Saints believe the 21-year-old can succeed Fernandes in his midfield role.
Honestly, given his Championship numbers this season, Goodrham feels a candid fit to fill in Fernandes' void. But the same can't be said for him, defensively.
While he has been a second-division hit, Tyler has mostly operated in attacking options, which is his only drawback. And that's where he lacks to a year junior, Mateus Fernandes, for his defensive contributions.
Yet, this is exactly why boss Simon Rusk holds Mateus Fernandes in such high regard, for his potential at just 20 years of age.
Simply said, replacing the irreplaceable Fernandes is going to be Southampton's biggest task this summer.
What they can do is, instead of a like replacement, sign an attacking option like Goodrham and pair him up with a defensive profile, to replace Fernandes' all-round game.
Importantly, it remains to be seen how Southampton rebuilds its midfield with its heart, Mateus Fernandes, missing.