With the January transfer window just around the corner, rumours are beginning to gear up once again.
This weekend there are whispers surrounding one Southampton player leaving in January, and the Saints could be making the right call in letting him go out on loan.
What’s the story then?
Of course, we’re talking about the rumours regarding Jannik Vestergaard potentially moving to Werder Bremen.
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German news outlet DeichStube reported that the 27-year-old could be on his way back to the Bundesliga as they state that Saints should be willing to let him go out on loan.
While loaning out a centre-back that has started 11 league games this season when you’re staring a relegation battle in the face seems rather foolish, it could be a wise long-term strategy.
Long-term thinking
The fact of the matter is that Vestergaard isn’t having the best of times at St Mary’s. Southampton have the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League, and they’ve conceded 25 goals in the 11 games that the centre-back has played this term.
However, that isn’t to say that Vestergaard is a lost cause, as he was quite decent last time he was in Germany as he averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.19 across a whole season once upon a time at Borussia Monchengladbach.
A six-month spell back in a league where he is more comfortable could be just what the doctor ordered.
He could return to the south coast club with a lot more confidence if he’s successful in Germany, and even if he doesn’t have a future at St Mary’s, a successful spell abroad could see his transfer value increase should the club want to then sell him.
Perhaps the only drawback is that Southampton won’t get any money in January to sign a direct replacement, but if Ralph Hasenhuttl has faith in the players getting in the team ahead of Vestergaard, then a loan seems like the best option for all parties.
In other news, Saints seem to be chasing a player who would be perfect for their manager.
