Southampton Could Sanction Tella Sale With Move For £12m Ace

Russell Martin has made it his mission to reconnect Southampton’s fanbase by making the Saints thrilling to look at once more after taking over from Ruben Seles as supervisor.

If the previous Swansea Metropolis head coach is to attain that, he may do with a serving to hand from his personal bosses in terms of bringing in new recruits.

Southampton must offload some gamers to assist stability the books following their relegation from the Premier League, with skipper James Ward-Prowse the obvious instance.

The way forward for striker Nathan Tella additionally stays within the stability following final season’s spectacular spell on mortgage within the Championship with Burnley, who’re considered one of numerous sides reportedly serious about signing the striker.

But when Southampton are certainly going to money in on Tella, they should have a substitute – even when it’s a cheaper different – lined up and able to hit the bottom working.

In response to the Day by day Mail, Martin is raring to deliver Joel Piroe with him to St Mary’s, however current acrimony between Southampton and Swansea over a compensation payment for the supervisor could hinder negotiations.

The report suggests Piroe might be obtainable for £12m which, whereas not precisely a small amount of cash for a Championship staff making an attempt to readjust to a smaller finances, would imply successfully swapping the Dutchman with Tella and still having £3m or so left over.

Is Joel Piroe a greater participant than Nathan Tella?

At the beginning, Southampton could be signing a participant that’s not solely Championship confirmed but additionally well-known to Martin, having labored collectively over the previous two years at Swansea.

Martin, due to this fact, is aware of precisely what Piroe is able to within the remaining third. “He’s so medical with each toes, and he is a superb technician,” the then-Swansea boss said after a victory in opposition to Millwall final 12 months.

“However crucial factor he has is the correct mentality when he will get across the aim. He reveals composure, he’s calm, and he simply focuses on his approach, one thing that every one prime strikers possess.”

Piroe had very comparable numbers to Tella final season – with the latter taking part in in a greater facet – as they scored 19 and 17 goals respectively, although the Burnley loanee did help 5 objectives to the previous Netherlands U20 worldwide’s two.

They have been additionally alike when it comes to percentage of shots on target (44.4 for Tella and 41.4 for Piroe) and touches per 90 minutes (39.5 v 35), as per FBref, however Piroe got here out on prime for pass-completion rate (81.5% v 72.6%) and in addition the number of aerial duels won per 90 (0.55 v 0.43).

In the end, there’s little or no between the 2 gamers, with only one month separating them when it comes to age. Piroe does have extra longevity, although, having scored 22 goals and 19 goals prior to now two Championship seasons, whereas additionally boasting expertise of taking part in in Eredivisie with PSV.

Sanctioning the sale of Tella is a giant name to make, but when Piroe is certainly obtainable for a less expensive value, Southampton wouldn’t solely be bringing in a confirmed striker but additionally serving to to additional ease their monetary points.