Southampton consider defensive options as Jose Fonte open to return

The Portuguese European Championship winner is without a club after departing Lille last month and is believed to be interested in a St Mary’s return.

Fonte, 39, was instrumental in the club’s rise from League One to the Premier League across 288 Saints appearances between 2009-2017.

Fonte has since played for West Ham United, Chinese outfit Dalian Yifang and most recently Lille, where he featured 196 times including two Champions League campaigns.

READ MORE

What we want to see from Russell Martin's Southampton in pre-season 

The former international teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo captained Lille to a Ligue 1 title in 2020-21 but could make a return to play for Saints in the Championship.

Fonte is one of a few experienced defenders the club are considering as they prepare to replace possible outgoing players of their own.

Lyanco, Duje Caleta-Car and Armel Bella-Kotchap have all been linked to moves elsewhere this week, while the futures of Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu are also up in the air. 

Early contact has been made regarding Fonte but no offer has been made. Saints are thought to admire a number of options, including out-of-contract Leicester City defender Jonny Evans.

Saints have been linked with interest in Swansea City duo Nathan Wood and Ben Cabango previously in the window but they are at the other end of their professional careers. 

Fonte, although he will turn 40 later this year, made 31 league appearances in France last season and is fit and committed to another new challenge.

The Portuguese still has a home on the south coast of England and would represent a cheap method of adding experience to a young Saints squad.

Fonte, who was Southampton’s player of the season 2010-11 and 2014-15 campaigns, told the Daily Echo last year: “I’m honoured and proud to have played for the club.

"The 10 years go by quickly, it feels like it was yesterday. Southampton is a great club and I’m just proud I was part of that story.”