Mario Lemina’s future is very much up in the air, but another possible escape route from St Mary’s has presented itself, with Real Betis linked.
According to Estadio Deportivo, the Spanish club have identified the midfielder as a potential transfer target as they look to strengthen their options in the middle of the park before the European transfer window slams shut next week.
Lemina’s switch to Betis would, as per the report, likely be on the terms of an initial loan deal with an option – not obligation – to buy, with a starting fee of €1 million for the season and a buyout clause worth €19 million next summer if the Gabon international convinces the La Liga side of his qualities.
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A move to Real Betis definitely makes sense. As Estadio Deportivo’s report rightly points out, Rubi has William Carvalho and Javi Garcia at his disposal as holding midfield options, but adding a different style of player to the ranks certainly wouldn’t do any harm.
Lemina would provide Betis with a player who can help them transition from defence to attack. Carvalho breaks the play up expertly, while Nabil Fekir is a phenomenal playmaker.
However, the link between the pair has not truly been formed following Giovani Lo Celso’s big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and it’s no surprise to see the club targeting another midfield player.
Southampton would, of course, benefit from this deal as Lemina would be off the wage bill and in an environment that could see him thrive. However, competition for his signature may intensify towards the end of the window, and whether or not Betis will make a concrete move remains to be seen.
