Southampton

Southampton beating Crystal Palace to sign this 22-year-old PL starlet would ease defensive woes

Share

Why Southampton should beat Crystal Palace to sign Kyle Walker-Peters

According to The Mirror (Page 72, November 24, 2019), Southampton and Crystal Palace are interested in signing Tottenham defender Kyle Walker-Peters on loan when the transfer window reopens in January. 

However, the same report adds that the 22-year-old is willing to stay put in North London and fight for his place in the playing XI under the stewardship of new manager Jose Mourinho. 

With Kieran Trippier departing for Atletico Madrid and Serge Aurier struggling for fitness, Walker-Peters started the season as Tottenham’s first-choice right-back. He featured in three consecutive Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United. 

Kyle Walker-Peters started Spurs’ first three Premier League fixtures this season before suffering an injury (Getty Images)

However, a hamstring strain in the 1-0 shock defeat to Newcastle opened the door for Aurier to reclaim his place in the starting XI and the Ivorian has managed to keep the academy graduate on the bench ever since.

Having struggled for regular minutes under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, Walker-Peters will have his work cut out as far as re-establishing himself as a regular starter is concerned.

He previously played second fiddle to Trippier and now, the youngster finds himself as an understudy to Aurier. Thus, a temporary move to further his development would be wise since his contract with Spurs doesn’t run out until the summer of 2023. 

To that end, Southampton and Crystal Palace are willing to offer Kyle Walker-Peters an escape route during the mid-season trading period.

Walker-Peters has been tipped for a loan move in January (Getty Images)

Despite his limited involvement since his breakthrough during the 2017-18 campaign, Southampton would bag a real coup if they manage to beat off competition from Palace to sign the 22-year-old on loan in January. 

That would solely depend on whether or not Tottenham are open to loaning him out in January, given that he is currently the only alternative to Aurier. However, if the Lilywhites are willing to farm him out elsewhere, Southampton should not hesitate to pounce on the opportunity. 

The Saints are reeling at the bottom of the table in the relegation zone, following a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign. They have accumulated just a couple of victories from their first 13 league fixtures so far. 

Having conceded as many as 31 goals in 13 games, Southampton currently bear the ignominy of the worst defensive record in the entire division.

The youngster has made only 23 appearances for the Lilywhites since bursting on to the scene in the 2017-18 season (Getty Images)

With that in mind, a loan deal for Kyle Walker-Peters would certainly add depth and quality to the club’s ailing backline.

Verdict

With academy prospect Yan Valery struggling to hit top gear and Cedric Soares’ uncertain future still, the Saints must try to sign the Tottenham starlet.

Soares will be out of contract next summer and with the Portuguese star stalling on fresh terms at St. Mary’s, Southampton could be forced to cash in on him in January to avoid losing him on a free transfer (TEAMtalk h/t EN24 News).

With an average of 2.7 tackles, 1 interception, 1.7 dribbles and 0.7 key passes per game with a pass completion rate of 87.6% (whoscored), Walker-Peters would be ideal for Hasenhuttl’s philosophy that often includes two wing-backs playing in advanced roles.

More Southampton News

Although signing the former England U21 international on loan in January wouldn’t be a long-term solution for the Saints, the acquisition of Walker-Peters could go a long way towards shoring up a brittle backline to ensure survival in the Premier League. 

Sayan Chatterjee

A Premier League enthusiast and an avid follower of the beautiful game... keen eye for tactical battles and love to discuss the financial aspects of football...other hobbies include reading, listening to music, playing FIFA on PlayStation, traveling, etc. Follow me on Facebook

Recent Posts

Everton vs Nottingham Forest preview, team news, tickets, and prediction

Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…

2 weeks ago

The Vital Role of Communication on the Soccer Field: Unlocking Success in Leagues

Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…

3 weeks ago

The Brilliance of Paul Scholes: A Midfield Maestro’s Illustrious Career

In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…

1 month ago

Online games on Football

Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…

1 month ago

Using Soccer News to Enhance Your Game Strategy

If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…

2 months ago

Interesting Facts About Football: 40 Questions and Answers

I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the  thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the  unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected  twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts  about football.  What are the most interesting facts about football?  Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has  been sent off is 0 seconds!  Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many  football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know.  Interesting Facts About Football  Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they  don't know!  When was football invented?  Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …

2 months ago