Southampton: Update on Armando Broja Situation

Southampton entered the 2021-22 campaign looking for a striker to replace their talisman Danny Ings, who moved to Aston Villa in the summer. After multiple moves to bring in talented forwards, the Saints may have found their next star: Armando Broja

Since joining Southampton on loan from Chelsea, Broja has scored seven goals for the club, including five in Premier League matches. The Albanian most recently found the back of the net in a 4-1 victory over Brentford on Jan. 11.

Broja has recently found his way into Ralph Hassenhüttl’s starting eleven on a regular basis, despite not starting a single match prior to October. He has outscored every forward on Southampton’s books, including their £15m summer signing Adam Armstrong, and sits behind only James Ward-Prowse in Premier League goals this season for the Saints.

Sticky situation for Southampton

However, the situation between Chelsae and the Saints is complicated, as a permanent deal has not yet been worked out. The Blues has not decided if Broja will feature in their plans next season, but the situation could become clearer this week.

Chelsea may be looking to Broja to solve their attacking woes, with Romelu Lukaku struggling to find form at Stamford Bridge. Although, if the price is right, the deal could become permanent in January or during the summer window.

Thomas Tuchel spoke recently about his belief in the youngster, saying “Armando’s getting better and better, he’s a very unique player with unique strengths in his game — he has speed, he’s robust and he’s a goalscorer.” The Chelsea manager also referred to Broja as “our player”, possibly a sign that he is in the German’s future plans.

Besides Chelsea and Southampton, The Evening Standard reports that a number of unnamed clubs are interested in him, including several Premier League sides.

The Albanian striker has shown his class this season, but fans of Chelsea and Southampton alike will be anxiously waiting to see where his future lies.