Southampton Lead Chase For £25 Million-Rated International

 

June 1, 2024 Jamie Ward Championship News, Chelsea, Clubs, EFL, EFL Championship, Everton, News, Premier League, Southampton, Transfer News, Wolverhampton Wanderers Southampton are looking to bring striker Armando Broja back to the club this summer, with the Chelsea man keen on the move, according to TBR.

The Albanian international spent the 2021/22 season on loan at St Mary’s, scoring nine times in 38 appearances across all competitions. It was this form which convinced parent club Chelsea to hand him a long-term contract totalling six years, which is set to expire in 2028.

He returned to Stamford Bridge looking to break into the Blues’ first team and scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in October 2022. However, disaster struck shortly after when the 22-year-old suffered an ACL injury which ruled him out of the remainder of the campaign.

Broja returned from his spell on the sidelines last September and looked to have played his way into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans. He was allowed to depart on another temporary spell in February though, joining fellow Premier League side Fulham. Craven Cottage failed to provide the spark needed to ignite his career, where he played just 80 minutes across eight appearances.

It now appears as if a permanent exit from the capital is on the cards. Reports emerged earlier this week that Ligue 1 outfit Monaco are amongst a host of potential suitors across the continent, with Chelsea willing to drop their asking price from £50 million to between £25-30 million.

There is also interest from the Premier League though. According to TBR, Wolves and Everton are keen, although the player would prefer a move back to Southampton. It is said that the attacker enjoyed his previous stint on the south coast, with the Saints now able to offer top tier football themselves.

Russell Martin guided his team out of the Championship via the play-offs last weekend with a 1-0 win over Leeds United in the final at Wembley Stadium.

Writer’s View
Southampton will be looking to strengthen their squad this summer in order to avoid a repeat of their shock relegation last year. An attacker will be top of the agenda, with Che Adams expected to depart the club whilst Paul Onuachu will complete a permanent exit.

Despite the reduced asking price, £25 million is a big outlay for a player who has yet to show any kind of prolific form. However, Broja is still young and has had to contend with an array of injuries over the past couple of years. That will have hampered his progress and there will be a hope that familiar surroundings will be the key to unlock his potential.