Wolves boss Gary O'Neil breaks silence over failed loan move for Chelsea's Armando Broja
According to Hampshire Live, Chelsea and Southampton are discussing the future of 20-year-old Armenian striker Armando Broja.
The Albanian professional footballer has become a key part of the Saints side this season. He has played 22 matches across all competitions for Southampton this season during which time he has scored seven goals and provided one assist. The young forward has been an adept replacement for Danny Ings who left Saint Mary’s Stadium to join Aston Villa.
Ralph Hasenhüttl is thought to be impressed with the performances of the youngster and is pushing to secure a permanent deal for him in the summer. The Austrian manager is believed to also be open to securing him on loan for the next season if the Blues aren’t willing to sell. That will of course be subject to how bad Broja’s current injury is. He has been making waves and the 54-year-old manager holds him in high regard.
In an interview before Saturday’s clash with Coventry (h/t Hampshire Live), the Saints boss shared his thoughts about their situation with Chelsea and the 20-year-old forward. He seemed keen on keeping him at Southampton and his recent form is a very good reason.
“We have a good relationship with Chelsea and are in good contact. He is their player. We have tried to develop him here, and I think we have. If they think we should do it another year and do not want to sell him in the summer, then there is no better spot to be.”
The West London club have a great youth system in place. The likes of Reece James and Mason Mount have come up through the ranks and have now started to cement a starting position in the team. The right-back’s loan spell with Wigan Athletic and Mount’s time with Derby Count helped them mature as footballers.
Broja is another one of those talented youngsters and his performances with the Saints are testimony to the potential that he possesses. The Blues already have a plethora of star-studded attackers in their squad after spending huge amounts on acquiring the likes of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku. That being said both of them have struggled to justify their price tags at the moment.
Thomas Tuchel could be tempted to bring back the strike to Stamford Bridge if the attacking woes of the Blues continue for a longer period. With that in mind, it could also put a lot of pressure on the 20-year-old Albanian and his game time could take a severe hit as compared to what he is receiving with the Saints.
Navigating the career of a young footballer is an especially tough task. In Hasenhüttl, the young forward has got a manager who has faith in him. The German manager has also been willing to give him valuable minutes on the pitch. This is a key moment in his career and Southampton seems like a great side to develop a young talent such as Armando Broja for the future.
Only the future can tell if the 20-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge, but his performances this season would have the fans gleaming with joy.
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