da doce： According to reports in the Daily Echo, Southampton right-back Cuco Martina could be on his way out of the club this summer.
What’s the story, then?
da betcris： Well, the Curacao international’s contract with the south coast outfit runs out at the end of the season, and he is yet to be offered a new one.
He nearly left to link up with Ronald Koeman at Everton last summer, but the move was put on hold after Saints new-boy Jeremy Pied suffered a season-ending injury.
How has he done this season?
Because of the club’s involvement in the Europa League – as well as their run to the final of the EFL Cup – Martina has probably made more appearances than he would usually have this term.
The 27-year-old has made 18 outings in total – with six of those being Premier League starts – but following their exit from Europe, he has played just twice in 2017.
His performances have certainly been up and down, and he has looked more comfortable going forward than he has defending – a bit of a problem when you are a full-back.
Hang on… Isn’t Cedric being linked with Barcelona?
Yes, and that could make things interesting.
Claude Puel’s first choice right-back continues to be linked with a move to the Spanish giants, and reports in The Sun suggest they wouldn’t block the dream move for the Euro 2016 winner.
However, with Pied coming back to full fitness, Puel is more likely to sign another player – or give a youth product an opportunity – rather than give Martina a new contract.
Will he be missed if he leaves?
Yes, and no.
He is something of a fans’ favourite – mainly because of that stunning goal against Arsenal at St Mary’s last season – but he has also made Saints supporters nervous on a number of occasions with his shaky performances at the back.