Josh Sims could be set to leave Southampton for the New York Red Bulls, according to reports from ESPN.
The winger joined the MLS club on a short-term loan in the summer and proceeded to impress in the United States, shining when handed opportunities in the starting line-up.
Such was the impact that Sims made, it seems, that the Red Bulls are now looking to re-sign him, with ESPN claiming that there is ‘optimism’ that a deal for 2020 can be negotiated with Southampton.
The Saints academy graduate has been back at Staplewood training with the first-team squad since returning from his loan, but the report suggests that it is becoming ‘more and more likely’ that he will return to New York in the near future.
Read Southampton’s verdict
There is no indication as of yet regarding whether or not Sims would depart on another loan deal or on a permanent basis.
However, it is important that he receives regular game time in senior football in the New Year, and he appears to be well suited to the demands of the Red Bulls.
Sims is behind Moussa Djenepo, Nathan Redmond and Sofiane Boufal in the pecking order at Southampton, so it is difficult to see him getting many first-team minutes.
He is undoubtedly a promising player, though, and it would be a shame for his potential to be fulfilled elsewhere.
