Southampton have been handed a boost with Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz ‘happy’ to stay put despite interest from Benfica and Premier League giants Newcastle United.
The Saints made no fewer than five signings during the January transfer window. And, in truth, the £12 million deal which saw Carlos Alcaraz arrive from Argentine outfit Racing Club was the only one that could really be considered anything approaching a success.
The stylish attacking midfielder – with his balletic footwork and eye for goal – quickly became a hit with Southampton supporters in the way that Paul Onuachu, James Bree and Mislav Orsic certainly did not.
Only James Ward-Prowse (nine) and Che Adams (five) scored more than his four league goals; Alcaraz opening the scoring after just 27 seconds during that thrilling 3-3 draw at title-chasing Arsenal.
And, with the likes of Ward-Prowse, Adams, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Mohammed Salisu and Romeo Lavia all expected to leave following relegation, reports suggesting that Alcaraz is nailing his colours to the Southampton mast should be a major boost to the club’s hopes of a successful return to the Championship.
Carlos Alcaraz could snub Newcastle for Southampton stay
According to The Athletic, Alcaraz is happy and settled in his new Ocean Village home. He is not in talks to leave, despite interest from Portuguese champions Benfica and at least one Premier League outfit.
TalkSPORT believe that Newcastle United have been ‘watching’ the 20-year-old schemer. Eddie Howe’s side will be playing Champions League football next term. Newcastle may see Alcaraz is the kind of tenacious, multi-faceted operator capable of thriving under the former AFC Bournemouth boss.
The one-time Inter Milan target looks set to continue his development under Russell Martin instead. The incoming Southampton boss – who’s move to St Mary’s is being held up by a dispute over compensation with Swansea City – will introduce a patient, possession-based style which should suit a player adept at picking up pockets of space and providing a link between midfield and attack.
“You know what, he’s fabulous,” former Man United and City ace Owen Hargreaves tells Premier League Productions.
“He’ll probably go to a top-six side, Carlos Alcaraz. The only one who had an impact from January was Alcaraz. He is fantastic.”
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