Some Southampton fans have not been too happy with the club’s recent transfer links with former Manchester United right-back Rafael in the ongoing January transfer window.
The Saints have drawn links with the Brazilian, along with other Premier League sides like Crystal Palace and Brighton. It is said that Rafael has been offered to all these three clubs and his current club Lyon are very much open to letting the former United man leave this month.
The report goes onto state that all three clubs links are looking for a right-back in the ongoing January transfer window.
Southampton fans: Do you want Rafael at the club?
Absolutely, I'd like him
He's past it, not good enough
Some Southampton fans have paid heed to this news but don’t see Rafael as an option who is good enough for the club after SaintsNews&Views relayed the news to their followers on Twitter.
I hope not! We can do better
— Si Bligh (@SiBligh) January 7, 2020
No way!! He’s dirt
— Barry Doyle (@Saint_Barry) January 7, 2020
He’s not playing because he isn’t any good
— Spencer Houghton (@SpencerHoughts) January 7, 2020
Doesn’t fit any of our criteria for players
— Jonathan Hart (@JHART_SFC) January 7, 2020
Erm no thanks
— Stuart Hack (@HackStuart) January 7, 2020
Hope not
— Johnny ? (@jayofficial13) January 7, 2020
The Saints’ right-back this season has predominantly been Cedric Soares, with Yan Valery the close second-choice behind the Portuguese. Cedric has made 16 appearances in all competitions for the club this season, scoring once.
As for Rafael, he hasn’t exactly been Lyon’s first-choice at right-back this season. He has made nine appearances in all competitions for the club, with only seven of them being starts. He has also played in the right midfield and at left-back. Last season, he made only 21 appearances in all competitions for the club and had one assist to his name.
During his time at Man United, Rafael made over 170 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops. He scored five goals and got a total of 15 assists as well. He left the club in the summer of 2015 for a fee of £2.5m.
What do we think?
Rafael has immense Premier League experience and while he isn’t a regular at Lyon, he adds versatility and experience to the plate for the Saints. That Premier League experience could be key for the Saints’ Premier League survival and a finish high up in the table.