Southampton have boasted some excellent business over the summer after welcoming the likes of Ibrahima Diallo and Theo Walcott over the threshold. They also did well to keep hold of some of their key players, including Danny Ings, who was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Another senior ace they retained in 2020 was Oriol Romeu, who was close to signing for Celta Vigo back in January. According to Sky Sports, the La Liga outfit were looking to strike a deal worth £8.5million to bring the Spaniard back to his homeland. However, between Ralph Hasenhuttl and Martin Semmens, the decision was made to keep the midfielder at St Mary’s.
Smart business to keep Romeu
Despite being guaranteed some profit after initially signing Romeu for £5million, the Saints were adamant the 29-year-old’s future was on the south coast. Indeed, it appears as though he is already showing his appreciation to Hasenhuttl with his performances this season.
The addition of Diallo potentially threatened Romeu’s position in the team, but since the Frenchman arrived at Southampton, the ante has been upped.
Romeu has limited the newcomer to just seven minutes of Premier League action so far. Diallo made two cameo appearances against Chelsea and Everton, limited to minor substitute impact as Hasenhuttl continues to favour his Spaniard. His decision is certainly warranted as well.
Southampton are flying at the moment are have already caused upset to league leaders Everton. They currently sit just two points outside of the top four after an extremely impressive start. Romeu has contributed to the Saints’ fine form, starting every game so far and keeping three clean sheets. He has also opened up his scoring account for the campaign, netting against West Brom in a 2-0 win (via Transfermarkt).
If they can keep up their winning ways, it’s more than likely that the midfielder will be rewarded with new terms. As it stands, Romeu earns £65,000 per week and is into the final 12 months of his current deal. A lucrative new contract could be on the horizon for the man that continues to elbow out Hasenhuttl’s new 21-year-old signing.
In other news, Ralph Hasenhuttl will be wishing Dusan Tadic was still at Southampton…
