Mario Lemina made a move to Galatasaray on a season-long loan with an option to buy for €16m on Monday, much to the relief of the Saints fans. But was it a step backwards for the Gabon international’s career?
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The midfielder was banished from Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team plans, and a series of immature events on social media followed as he attempted to move away from St Mary’s.
He claimed that the club agreed to let him leave two years after joining, and admitted that he viewed the club as a stepping stone in his career. This, as expected, did not settle well with fans. After this, it was clear he wanted to force a move away, and numerous fans wanted him out the club.
Multiple Premier League clubs were linked with Lemina. However, these moves never materialised. Many European clubs were also touted with pursuits, and entering the final day of the European transfer window, Turkish side Galatasaray struck a deal to sign him on loan and will be able to make the move permanent for €16m, compared to the £18m that Saints spent to buy him from Juventus in 2017.
Swapping the Premier League for the Super Lig was not the move Lemina would have expected this summer, especially with some of the clubs that were apparently interested in him. He has departed the most competitive league in the world, for with all due respect, a mediocre European division largely dominated by two clubs.
Although it may be a good chance for Lemina to play European football, it could be seen as a step back in his career, especially after his insinuation that Southampton were a stepping stone. He would have probably preferred a move to another top European league. But with any big move unlikely, this may have been the only opportunity available before the window closed.
This move may prove to be a poor decision from Lemina, but with no future at Saints, it will be best for him to start fresh at a new club, and begin to push for that big transfer once again.
