Josh Sims is reportedly in advanced talks with MLS side New York Red Bulls on loan, and it appears to be a rather odd move on paper.
According to claims from Football Insider, the winger is likely to head out to the United States for a year as Ralph Hasenhuttl is content with the wide options at his disposal for the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Sims had a disastrous spell at Reading in the first half of last season but returned to St Mary’s Stadium and looked sharp when called upon.
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Well, this link is certainly one that’s out of the blue! Loaning players to MLS clubs has been previously unheard of for Saints, but if Football Insider is to be believed, Sims is set for a move to New York.
The Red Bulls are currently sat third in the Eastern Conference table, and as they go in search of a place in the MLS play-offs, it seems they want to add another attacking player to their ranks, with Sims lined up.
We do have a plethora of wingers at the club. Moussa Djenepo is now here, Sofiane Boufal could stay, and Nathan Redmond is a nailed-on starter for us. James Ward-Prowse has also shown his capabilities on the right-hand side.
Mohamed Elyounoussi appears set for a departure in the near future, and this appeared to have signalled the end of Southampton’s shake-up of wingers. Nevertheless, Sims now seems to be headed for the exit door in a loan move that may not be especially beneficial.
Of course, the academy graduate is likely to gain more regular playing time immediately upon his arrival in New York. However, he displayed glimpses of real potential last season, notably impressing in wins against Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Sims would hardly be likely to start week-in, week-out for us this season, but he is a really good option to have. He has proven throughout the years that he can make an impact off the bench; his dynamism and ability to play on the half-turn provide Hasenhuttl with the type of player whom he tends to favour.
Another argument can be made to suggest that this type of loan is not a particularly sensible move. Sims will undoubtedly gain greater opportunities to show his attacking qualities in MLS outings, as opposed to in his previous stint at Reading, but he is good enough to play regular football at a decent level in England.
If Saints are to let Sims leave temporarily this summer, I would – admittedly begrudgingly – be more intrigued to see how he fares in the Championship once again.
