Southampton have discussed a move for Hamza Choudhury but a deal with Championship rivals Leicester City for the midfielder is now viewed as ‘unlikely’.
With James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia potentially departing this summer, one of the first challenges facing Russell Martin in his new South coast home may be to find potential replacements for arguably Southampton’s two most influential players.
Now, Hamza Choudhury does not possess Lavia’s outrageous technical ability or his supreme self-confidence in possession. But the former England U21 international does his best work in a similarly deep-lying role, ‘number six’ role.
And while Choudhury is more of a ball-winner than he is a ball-player, that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Southampton have considered Hamza Choudhury move
Southampton conceded 73 goals while finishing bottom of the Premier League in 2022/23. One of the most common criticisms of that Saints side was that they were simply too easy to play through. The phrase ‘a knife through hot butter’ comes to mind.
Choudhury, a player who has been ‘discussed’ by Southampton, would at least have provided a bit of ankle-biting tenacity in the defensive midfield role.
Only two Championship players averaged more than his three tackles per game during a loan spell at Watford last term. Only one managed more interceptions (2.3 per game, Whoscored).
But, according to the Daily Mail, a move to St Mary’s is now viewed as ‘unlikely’. Why, however, is anyone’s guess?
Maybe Russell Martin – a coach renowned for his proactive, possession-heavy style – wants a player more comfortable on the ball; a la a Jay Fulton or a Matt Grimes.
Perhaps Leicester had concerns about selling a potentially valuable squad member to a side who could end up fighting them for a promotion place in 2023/24.
Choudhury could still have a future at the King Power with Wilfred Ndidi facing an uncertain future.
In more positive news, Southampton are expected to finalise a potential £15 million deal for Manchester City whizzkid Shea Charles this week.
Martin, meanwhile, is keeping tabs on his former Swansea stalwarts Fulton, Grimes, Ben Cabango, Ryan Manning and Joel Piroe as the Saints look to add some proven Championship quality to their ranks.
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