Southampton are reportedly expected to make a £25 million offer to sign Armando Broja permanently, although much will depend on Chelsea’s answer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are set to make a £25 million offer for on-loan striker Armando Broja. The Saints’ board remains convinced of the Albanian striker’s quality and are prepared to pay a reasonable price to secure him permanently and ward off competition.
Southampton took a calculated risk by signing at least two youngsters from Chelsea back in the summer. Tino Livramento joined on a permanent transfer while striker Armando Broja only made a temporary switch from Stamford Bridge. The English-born Albanian international was sent on loan to gain valuable experience in the Premier League.
Broja has thoroughly impressed Ralph Hasenhuttl with his performances, with the Austrian favouring the youngster as his main frontman. Since December, the Chelsea loanee has been involved in four goals, which has convinced the Southampton board to prepare a sensational offer for the Albanian striker.
Southampton’s intention to sign him permanently was reported earlier this month when the club waited for Chelsea’s stance on Broja’s possible sale. The Blues had made their stance clear in the summer, as they wanted the striker to gain experience and come back to the club next season.
Understand Southampton are now expected to launch a £25m record bid for Albanian striker Armando Broja. Proposal to be submitted soon. ⚪️? #SaintsFC
Let's see Chelsea position – as Thomas Tuchel is a big admirer of Broja. "He's our player", Tuchel said few days ago. pic.twitter.com/LvkrF0uypu
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2022
However, with Chelsea stacked with big attacking players, it is difficult for Broja to see a place in the team next season. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Kai Havertz are all a part of the attacking unit, with others like Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech also capable of playing there.
Even if Broja returned to the club, he would often find himself playing for the Under-23s or consigned to a bench role. On the other hand, at Southampton, he has been given the taste of playing regular first-team football, something he may look to continue at St. Mary’s or somewhere else.
Chelsea have always shown openness to doing business for their young players. The sale of Livramento and Marc Guehi in the summer was a decent indicator of the club’s willingness to accept a reasonable offer.
Southampton know there are suitors such as West Ham United interested in Broja and hence want to get ahead of the competition with a reasonable offer. The Saints are expected to make a £25 million bid to sign Broja permanently, which going by Chelsea’s recent valuations, should be enough to seal the move.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea accepts the offer straight away or wait until the summer to gauge Broja’s performances until the end of the season. There could be an acceptance from the Blues’ board to reflect on the offer, and they might sanction a sale before the current transfer window slams to a shut.
