Southampton have made a strong start to their summer business, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis signing permanently and Adam Lallana joining on a free transfer.
The club have also confirmed the signing of 17-year-old Japanese striker Rento Takaoka who will join once he turns 18 in March 2025.
However, a number of players could head out the exit door this summer to free up space in the squad and raise funds and one player who could leave is Carlos Alcaraz.
Tottenham Hotspur ‘keen’ on Southampton’s Carlos Alcaraz
Southampton spent £12 million to sign Alcaraz from Racing Club in January 2023 and he was one of the club’s best players in the second half of the season despite relegation and the fact he was just 20 at the time.
Well-liked amongst the St Mary’s faithful, it was unfortunate for Alcaraz that manager Russell Martin did not seem to feel he fit his style of play and in January the Argentine secured a surprise loan to Juventus.
The loan deal included a reported option to buy of around £38 million, but after failing to impress in Italy it looks unlikely that they will be taking up that option.
An exit could still happen this summer, though, and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a potential destination, with journalist Alan Nixon revealing via his Patreon that the North London club are ‘keen’ on the attacking midfielder.
Nixon, suggests Tottenham could use Southampton’s interest in their central defender Joe Rodon as leverage in any potential deal, but, with Spurs valuing Rodon at £10 million and the Saints valuing Alcaraz at £30 million, Spurs would ‘have to pay a large chunk for the exchange to go ahead’.
Russell Martin happy for Alcaraz to leave Southampton
If Alcaraz can be used as a makeweight to allow Southampton to sign Rodon and receive a fee of around £20 million, that would represent good business for a player who does not appear to have a future at the club.
Martin appreciates Alcaraz’ talents and was complimentary of the youngster after he performed a false nine role in a win over Leeds United in September, saying: “His mentality has been great. I put him in a role that suits him more than the other ones he has played in recently.
“We wanted to free him up a little bit. We did that I think – he was amazing with it. We sat down a lot this week and went through it and watched a lot of clips.
“His understanding of it was really good. I’m really proud of him and really pleased for him. He was outstanding today.”
However, that was one of just 13 starts for the 21-year-old prior to Martin sanctioning his January loan, citing the form of Joe Aribo and the arrival of Joe Rothwell as reasons he had no issue with the departure.
With Alcaraz’ all-action but often erratic playing style, he does not really suit Martin’s principles of patience and control and therefore a deal could be best for all parties.
