Duncan Castles has been speaking on the latest edition of The Transfer Window podcast about the release clause of Demarai Gray, a player Southampton reportedly wanted to sign in January.
The Saints were heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old, but he decided to join Bayer Leverkusen, where he has made 12 appearances, scored one goal, and provided two assists.
However, it appears as if Gray has a very low release clause included in his deal with the Bundesliga side, and this could lead to a swift return back to the Premier League.
Castles said: “I’m told he has a €2m release clause this summer.
“So it is a long-term deal at Leverkusen, or could become a long-term deal at Leverkusen.
“A four-year contract was drawn up, but he now has the option of moving to another club at what is essentially a bargain price for a player who had a lot of interest from Premier League clubs when it became clear he was leaving Leicester City. Among those clubs, Southampton were significantly interested in signing him.
“I think there’s going to be a lot of attention on Gray over the summer market.”
Do you think that Southampton can sign Gray?
Yes, for that price
No, he will go somewhere else
TIF Thoughts on Gray to Southampton…
The former Leicester City man is still young and is also versatile, but he is naturally a left-winger, so he would be competing with the likes of Nathan Redmond and Moussa Djenepo for a place in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team if he were to join the Saints.
However, given that he is available for such a low fee, we wouldn’t be surprised if Southampton came in for Gray this summer as they look to improve their squad and build on a 15th-place finish.
In other news: TalkSport insider drops big claim on Hasenhuttl’s future at Southampton