It was exposed during the friendlies, when even Martin was struggling to hide how worried McCarthy made him…
He was actually fairly complimentary about him on SSN a bit earlier too Said he looked good in Europe before with Zenit. A bit up and down in his career so far admittedly, but said he is quick for a big striker, he can play wide too but normally wants to play on the shoulder through the middle. He's a mobile striker, good at getting in behind and stretching defences The player wants the move to Southampton, the stalling point currently is that Corinthians want an obligation not an option. But they’re in a bad financial situation Southampton are already doing business in Brazil with Flamengo and São Paulo - signing Victor Hugo, Juan, Welington so clearly scouting in the country Final thoughts: can see the fit for what Southampton need to add and gut feeling is that there’s a good chance it’ll happen
So it’s looking like the plan is for a goalkeeper, Yuri Alberto and a wide player. But all the loaning clubs want obligations to buy which we aren’t really in a position for given risk of relegation
Toulouse fans seem to really want to keep him - a nice change from the Brazilians we've been linked to!
Just seen someone pointing out that his history with sexism/homophobia could cause some issues in England
Considering Martin has stressed how important character is when looking at players, I'd say that might be an issue. No idea what this "history" is though so hard to comment.
On 14 May 2023, Aboukhlal refused to represent Toulouse in a Ligue 1 match against Nantes due to the game being a part of a league-wide campaign against homophobia, meaning all teams' kits for the week featured rainbow-themed decorations. He was in the same week accused by several news outlets, of having been involved in an alleged sexist altercation with Toulouse's female deputy major Laurence Arribagé, during Toulouse's Coupe de France title festivities at the city hall in April. Aboukhlal, who was alleged to have told Arribagé that women should behave in a subservient manner to men after Arribagé had asked some of the players to tone down their loud behaviour, was temporarily suspended from all first team activities.
Other than being a potentially distasteful signing from that perspective- what issues? I guess maybe with Ramsdale who I think I read has a gay brother. So that might be an issue
The West Brom fans also really want to keep Fellows and were being utter weapons about the rumoured bid online. So I hope we get him. And also because if he goes to Ipswich “instead” then there will be more annoying wailing and pearl clutching from the more delicate members of our fanbase And it seems like it would mean each club has two of the four that it seemed there was mutual interest in - Delap, Clarke, Downes and now this new one if he moves.
I would prefer Kostic to Cornet I think, he would help balance our team out more and is a natural winger
