Fonte quit Southampton a week ago – could the Hull City centre-back replace him?
Southampton boss Claude Puel has confirmed his side will ‘study possibilities’ to replace Jose Fonte ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.
The 32-year-old quit St. Mary’s for West Ham United in a £9 million deal on Friday, leaving a fairly sizeable hole beside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Saints’ defence.
Former Southampton defender Jose Fonte
Traditionally, when Southampton sells one of its key players – a regular occurrence over the past couple of campaigns – the club has someone else, often younger, cheaper and sometimes English, lined up to replace them.
And it would be little surprise, therefore, if Hull City’s Harry Maguire has been mentioned as a possible candidate.
The towering Yorkshireman has come of age given the chance this season, standing out in a side that many had tipped to be cut adrift at the bottom already, but which currently sits only two points from safety in 19th place.
With 18 months left on his deal – it had been six until Hull exercised a one year extension option with little Maguire could do about it – the Tigers could perhaps be tempted into selling the 23-year-old this month, especially if new boss Marco Silva, who is not thought to be blessed with lavish funds, has one eye on cheaper overseas recruits.
Hull City’s Harry Maguire (right)
And there’s little reason, other than perhaps geography, why Maguire wouldn’t fancy a move to Southampton were the opportunity to be offered, given the Saints’ intact Premier League status and record of handling other talented young Englishmen.
Should Southampton move for Hull’s Maguire this month?