Reports linking Spain international Brais Mendez with a move to Premier League outfit Southampton have come as no surprise to the Celta Vigo star’s agent, as reported by Marca.
While Pablo Sarabia has certainly made his mark at Euro 2020, emerging as one of the star players for Luis Enrique’s La Roja side, Mendez can consider himself unfortunate to have lost out to the Paris Saint-Germain winger for a place in an expanded, 26-man squad.
Mendez, after all, enjoyed the best and most prolific season of his career to date last term, while Sarabia twiddled his thumbs on the Parc des Princes bench.
So, after being overlooked by Enrique, is it time the 24-year-old thought about leaving his boyhood club to boost his international prospects?
Whether Southampton represent a step up from a Celta side that finished eighth in La Liga last term is up for debate, although that won’t stop the Saints trying to sign a left-footed winger, as reported by AS.
Can Southampton sign La Liga star Brais Mendez?
“It is inevitable the clubs are attentive to a player like Brais – 24 years old and with the season he’s just had,” agent Juan Sanchez said of a man who had previously been linked with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“It is normal that there is interest in him. From then on, it is a matter that depends on whether they want to talk to Celta about making an offer. That may or may not happen.
“There is a lot of time in the window left. Of course, there are many clubs that ask about his situation because (Mendez) is a very striking and high-quality player.
“Brais made a spectacular second half of the season. He has taken a very important step forward, not just because of the nine goals but because of the defensive work, dedication and sacrifice for the team. He is much more mature.
“It is a pity that, in the end, he did not make the Euros. We know Luis Enrique is very happy with him and we hope in the future he will (call him up).”
It remains to be seen how much Southampton would have to pay for Mendez, although he wouldn’t come cheap after a stellar campaign in Galicia.
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