Some Southampton fans have been reacting to the loan exit of club’s youngster Josh Sims in the ongoing January transfer window.
Major League Soccer side Red Bull New York have signed Sims on a loan deal from the Saints, with the club set to have the player back with them on the 30th of June later this year. The New York club also has the option to extend the loan deal.
Southampton fans: Is it a good move for Sims?
Fantastic move!
Should've kept him!
The official Saints Twitter handle posted the confirmation on social media recently and many Southampton fans made their opinions known about it. They had varying opinions about him.
What was the point in all that then
— Ash (@ashley_whiteway) January 21, 2020
Before anyone moans, if he’d played, he couldn’t be loaned out again this season. He’s behind Djenepo, Redmond, Boufal, Armstrong, JWP and any attacking minded midfielders out on the flanks of the 4-2-2-2.
All the best Josh!
— Jack (@Hasenhuttlin) January 21, 2020
This wasn’t supposed to happen he was supposed to set Shane long up on the first of feb
— Ryanhüttl Jackhason (@ryanlj112) January 21, 2020
Deserved a chance. Good luck to him
— Cody (@codybartlettt) January 21, 2020
How long for? Option to buy?
Your statement is so cyrptic— Alan (@alanhenley) January 21, 2020
Is mile off the required standard anyway. No loss
— Peter Stephens (@peter_stephens) January 21, 2020
Sims is currently only 22 and was loaned out to RB New York in the summer of 2019 for their second-half of the MLS season too. He has made a total of 27 first-team appearances for the Saints in the past, assisting three times.
For the Saints Under-23s side, Sims has made 66 appearances in all competitions. He scored 11 times and also picked up 13 assists for the club. During his previous stint at RB New York, Sims had made eight appearances for the club, scoring once and assisting once for them.
What do we think?
Sims’ situation shows that he needs regular first-team football to develop properly. Considering he is yet to play for the Saints this season, the move back to the MLS could aid him in his development. It is the right move for him.