Southampton may have been discouraged from chasing one of their summer transfer targets following his difficulties at Euro 2024.
Southampton are not well represented at the Euros in Germany, especially now that Jan Bednarek’s Poland has been eliminated.
Add to that the fact that out-of-contract duo Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong have both dropped out of the tournament with Scotland, and there is little Southampton-related intrigue in the summer extravaganza.
However, recruiting teams throughout the world will be keeping a close eye on the event as they look for fresh additions this summer.
For Southampton, however, one player’s performances may have turned off a possible target.
Southampton have been linked with a deal for former loanee Armando Broja this summer as manager Russell Martin looks to add more firepower ahead of a Premier League return.
Broja had a good loan spell with St Mary’s in 2021/22, netting nine goals in all competitions, but his career has stalled since.
The 22-year-old striker is expected to leave Chelsea this summer, with the club valuing him at approximately £35 million.
Broja’s attempts to showcase himself in the shop window at Euro 2024 have failed, as he performed poorly for Albania as they were eliminated in the group stage.
The Chelsea attacker began the opening game against Italy and looked disappointed up front as his team lost 2-1 before being demoted to the bench for the next two games and replaced by Sivasspor striker Rey Manaj.
With a price tag of £35 million, signing Broja would consume a significant portion of Southampton’s summer transfer budget.
Given the forward’s performances at the Euros, as well as the fact that he has scored only three goals in the two years since returning from his Southampton loan, Martin should remain clear.
All the evidence suggests that Broja is not that and they should instead allow another Premier League team to take the risk in shelling out an inflated fee for the youngster.
Another former striker that has been linked with a return is Danny Ings.
Having left the club for Aston Villa in 2021, Ings’ return would be divisive amongst the St Mary’s faithful but he will be available for around £6 million and has previous of keeping Southampton up with his goals.
At 31, he should arguably not be the main striker signing this summer but he could prove an invaluable back up.