Football Daily pundit Dougie Critchley has suggested that Southampton should make a move to sign Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
Last week, it was announced that Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg had departed the Saints and signed for Tottenham Hotspur (per BBC).
Following Hojbjerg’s departure, Ralph Hasenhuttl is left with three out-and-out defensive midfielders and two central midfielders, one of which is 20-year-old Will Smallbone (per Transfermarkt).
So, in the latest episode of Football Daily’s Sunday Vibes show, Critchley suggested that the Saints should make a move for the 26-year-old Argentine.
He said: “Rodrigo de Paul would be a pretty interesting option from Udinese as well; just a phenomenal footballer, can play in a number of positions, can play wide-right, can play almost as a DM, can play as a number 10.
“[He is] one of those players that just can do everything, but one of those utility men you can just stick anywhere and will do a job.
“Seven goals, six assists last season, 0.48 expected goals and assists per 90 – and that’s quite crucial, because I think you do need to add more of a goal threat to Southampton, because [Danny] Ings, as much as I loved him this year, it’s quite unlikely he’ll be able to hit those heights again.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the pundit had to say, he clearly believes that the Argentine midfielder would be a good option for Hasenhuttl to pursue.
Should Southampton try and sign Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese?
No, he's not good enough
Yes, he would be quality
However, it has been stated by Corriere dello Sport, as cited by Sport Witness, that Arsenal, AC Milan, Napoli and Juventus are all eyeing De Paul.
So, perhaps there is a chance that the Saints could be priced out of a move for the £18m-rated player by the big-name clubs that have an interest in him if Critchley’s suggestion did come to fruition.