Southampton: Saints linked with Loftus-Cheek | OneFootball

Southampton have once again been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and the midfielder could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

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According to The Sun, Chelsea are keen on sending the 25-year-old out on loan again in the upcoming campaign, with Southampton said to be interested in bringing him to St Mary’s.

The Englishman looks unlikely to break into Thomas Tuchel’s first team next season and the Blues are reportedly keen on sending him to the Bundesliga in the hope that he can rediscover his form or increase his value ahead of a future sale.

Should Southampton sign Loftus-Cheek?

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Would Loftus-Cheek be a good signing?

Southampton don’t currently have any loanees in their squad ahead of the new season and Loftus-Cheek would provide plenty of experience in midfield, having made 108 appearances in his Premier League career thus far, with 10 goals and eight assists to his name.

Hasenhuttl suggested recently that he was keen to add another central midfielder to his squad this summer and the Chelsea man would offer a relatively cheap short-term option if he were to arrive at St Mary’s on loan.

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The England international has proven himself to be a versatile player throughout his career thus far, as whilst he has featured predominantly in the middle of the park, he has also played out wide and up-front on occasions, so he could give Hasenhuttl cover in a number of positions next season.

If he were to impress Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s, then it could also open the door to a permanent move in the future, as we saw with Kyle Walker-Peters in 2020, so a move for the midfielder would make a lot of sense if he can realise the potential he showed in his first few years at Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea academy graduate is certainly highly rated by teammate Cesar Azipilicueta, who sang his praises in 2019, saying:

“He’s understanding the game better, when he has to drive with the ball, and he has unbelievable strength. He can push past defenders, get in the box, score goals, and he defends. He is a complete player.”

Therefore, whilst Loftus-Cheek struggled at Fulham last season, he could be a great option for Hasenhuttl to have in his squad next season, so Martin Semmens should look into bringing him to St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Southampton dealt blow over “difference-maker”, Ralph surely gutted