As the January transfer window nears, it feels like there is a new Jack Butland departure rumour every single day with clubs apparently lining up for our England international stopper, but Stoke City could do far worse than look to Southampton should, what feels like, the inevitable happen.
25-year-old Butland was heavily linked with a departure over the summer following our relegation from the Premier League and if the media is to be believed, he’ll be off in January. Whilst few fans would welcome that, former England international colleague Fraser Forster could be a top replacement.
The 30-year-old seemed to carry the can for Southampton’s own defensive worries but I think even an outsider would admit his confidence had gone. Having seen himself replaced at the club by Alex McCarthy and Angus Gunn, his stock has fallen but he hasn’t become a bad goalkeeper overnight and I believe only the other year he set their successive clean sheet record in the top-flight.
He should be looking for a fresh start and as Southampton clearly want to get rid of him, a deal could be done that’s in our favour.
With Stoke’s aims well stated, despite our poor start to 2018/19, dropping down a division shouldn’t be that much of a problem for him either as ultimately it’s his best shot at getting that first team jersey back.
