Could Southampton be targeting this Porto winger after a series of reported scouting missions?
Portuguese media outlet A Bola have reported that Southampton have sent scouts to watch various Porto games over the past month or so, and the question has been raised as to who they are actually tracking.
Could it be Porto’s speedy winger Yacine Brahimi?
The Algerian international was heavily linked with a switch to Everton throughout the course of the summer, but a move eventually failed to materialise (the Guardian).
Brahimi in action for Porto
The 26-year-old can play as an out-and-out winger, or as an attacking midfielder in the number 10 role, and he would represent a fantastic acquisition for the Saints, should they sign the Porto man.
Although Southampton have plenty of options in wide forward areas, it is debatable whether they have enough quality strength in depth that will enable them to make progress upon their top-seven finishes over the last two Premier League seasons.
Brahimi would certainly provide Claude Puel’s men with a X-factor that they currently appear to lack, should a move come to fruition, especially in tight games, where the Algerian would be capable of creating something from nothing.
Brahimi in action
The Porto man would offer a fantastic alternative to Dusan Tadic and Nathan Redmond on either flank, whilst he could also be deployed just behind the Saints’ central striker as part of Puel’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
With the opening of the January transfer window just around the corner, it will be interesting to see who Puel attempts to bring to St Mary’s, and whether or not Brahimi becomes a concrete target for the Frenchman.
Yacine Brahimi
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