Some Southampton fans have been left disappointed by the news that Maya Yoshida is set to join Sampdoria on transfer deadline day.
Sky Sports Italia and Gianluca di Marzio has reported that Serie A side Sampdoria are set to seal the signature of the Japanese defender. Di Marzio himself has reported that the defender has agreed to sign for Claudio Ranieri’s side before the end of the January window.
Will Southampton miss Yoshida this season?
We'll miss his presence
No, was only a bit-part player
Many Saints fans read this piece of news and they’ve been left heartbroken by it. They never expected the veteran to leave this month.
don’t knwo what to think
— pray to yoshida (@majesticmaya_) January 31, 2020
Brb just going to cry.
— Scott Winter (@ScottWSFC) January 31, 2020
??? pic.twitter.com/6XPKEaVSnP
— Kevvy-gee (@kevvygrindrod) January 31, 2020
HERE WE GO!…. back into a relegation battle because we have no depth left #GaoOut
— Phil (@PSmith1994) January 31, 2020
Not prepared for this man pic.twitter.com/Ck2J6FTbhA
— Mark Perez (@bookMark280712) January 31, 2020
Don’t want him to go
— WeMarchOn (@kelvinlegod) January 31, 2020
i feel sad Alex. What a cult hero.
— Jay (@SaintJxy) January 31, 2020
Southampton had signed Yoshida in the summer of 2012 from Eredivisie side VVV-Venlo on a three-year deal.
So far this season, Yoshida has made only 11 appearances in all competitions. Only eight of them have come in the Premier League, with two coming in the League Cup and one coming in the FA Cup.
The 31-year-old wasn’t too much a regular last season either, as he made only 20 appearances in all competitions and only 17 of them came in the Premier League.
Since joining the club from VVV Venlo, Yoshida has made 194 appearances for the Saints. He has scored nine goals, also picking up four assists for them.
What do we think?
For a player who has been at the club for about eight years now, this is the end of an era. Southampton will lose a veteran in Yoshida- someone who had played under different managers that the club has had. Southampton fans are right to be emotional.