Turkish side Galatasaray are reportedly in talks to sign Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina on a permanent basis.
Fotomac (via Sport Witness) have recently reported that the Saints want Galatasaray to pay the former Juventus midfielder’s redemption clause if they want to sign him permanently. Gala boss Fatih Terim is keen to make sure that the midfielder is part of his team next season.
Terim has urged his club to make Lemina’s move a permanent one. During the talks between the two clubs though, the Saints told Gala to pay Lemina’s clause of €16 million (£14m). But the report states that Gala’s financial situation doesn’t allow them to make that move.
Indeed, it’s stated it seems like the Gabonese international isn’t part of Saints’ manager Ralph Hasenhüttl’s plans, and Galatasaray are hoping they can keep him for at least another season.
On loan in Turkey
Lemina was loaned out to Gala in the summer of 2019 and the 26-year-old has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the club since then. He has scored just one goal and that goal came in the Cup.
In the league, Lemina has been a regular in the midfield while having made 17 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Should Southampton sell Lemina permanently?
No, he's a useful player
Yes, sell him at best price
Lemina had arrived at Southampton from the Old Lady in the summer of 2017 for an £18.1 million fee. During the two years at St. Mary’s, Lemina made 52 appearances in all competitions and scored a couple of goals.
TIF Tactics
As per Whoscored, Lemina has racked up a rating of 7.25 in the league for Galatasaray. This shows that he has had a good campaign.
That should make Southampton happy, considering his current deal runs out in the summer of 2022. He still has two years left on his deal and with Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg being linked with a move to Tottenham, Lemina could come in and replace him in the summer if the Dane does leave. In that sense, the Saints should think twice about potentially selling Lemina.