This past week, Hull City confirmed the signing of Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho on a short-term loan till the end of the season, dealing a severe blow to Southampton.
The Saints, along with Hull and Leeds United, were among the Championship teams vying for the 22-year-old’s signature, according to transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano’s report over the weekend. However, Liam Rosenior’s Tigers emerged victorious.
Prior to the January transfer window closing, Carvalho was reportedly the Saints’ top target. This was especially true given that Che Adams and Sekou Mara have been connected to moves away from the team, even if head coach Russell Martin had ruled out Mara’s departure.
Nevertheless, Southampton can remain calm as they potentially have an alternative to Carvalho. Journalist Nick Mashiter reports that the south coast club is now exploring the possibility of securing Bournemouth star David Brooks on loan for the remainder of the season.
DAVID BROOKS
Brooks, who has seen limited playing time under manager Andoni Iraola this season, has accumulated just 457 minutes across 16 appearances in all competitions, averaging only 28.6 minutes per match. His market value has also dropped to £4 million, according to the CIES Football Observatory.
Despite interest from Leeds United, who also missed out on Carvalho, a deal for Brooks may not materialize until the end of the transfer window. Journalist Alex Crook revealed, “Brooks has a lot of Championship interest, Leeds as well [as Southampton]. But I think with Bournemouth losing Hamed Traore because he’s got malaria, he won’t return anytime soon. Dango Ouattara is going to AFCON, so if they let them go, it will be towards the end of the window. Nothing is guaranteed.”
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