Why Carlos Alcaraz's Southampton exit might just make sense

On the face of it, Saints lose one of their most naturally talented players and one of few to impress in the Premier League. 

It seems unlikely Juventus will trigger the £43million option to buy at the end of the season given their financial limitations.

Meaning Saints will most probably just pocket the £3million loan fee and have his wages covered for the duration of the spell. 

The reward for promotion back to the Premier League and the commercial revenue that brings is well over £100million.

So the question over whether it makes sense that Alcaraz has departed the club is whether it will affect the club's chances of promotion. 

The Argentine youth international was behind Stuart Armstrong in the pecking order (Image: PA)

There is little evidence to suggest it will. The Argentine has started only one of the last eight league games for boss Russell Martin.

Alcaraz, 21, has played less than 46 per cent of total minutes during the club's record-breaking 20-match league unbeaten run. 

His performance at Watford in the FA Cup last time out was all at sea - he is yet to fully grasp the exact demands of Martin's system.

If Alcaraz was to match his playing time from the last nine games in the final 18 of the season, he would manage just 350 minutes. 

As it stands, if Saints not replace him directly, January signings Joe Rothwell and David Brooks can support Stuart Armstrong. 

Rothwell has struggled in his first two appearances at Saints but was one of the most in-demand Championship talents this time last year.

He should not be ruled an unuseful player already but, like Alcaraz, could take time to get up to speed with the system. 

Alcaraz could also have been deployed as a false nine in the absence of Che Adams and Brooks covers that role too. 

What is obvious, though, is Alcaraz's talent and potential, and there is a reason a club the size of Juventus have come in for him. 

Charly Alcaraz scored league goals against Birmingham, Blackburn and Plymouth. (Image: PA)

His four goals in a struggling Premier League side convinced the club he would be a huge player under Martin in the Championship. 

By negotiating a £43million buy option, Saints have laid down a marker for the valuation of a youth international who trained with Lionel Messi. 

Should any Premier League or European club want to buy him in the summer they will know the fee they are expected to pay.

Saints director of football Jason Wilcox spoke deliberately about him returning to play for the club next season in his statement.

If you cannot guarantee Alcaraz games and the Old Lady of Turin call, you risk unsettling the player and group by denying him that chance.

The experience he will gain by playing under that pressure, with some of the continent's top players, will further develop him.

The decision to sanction any player's exit can be seen as a risk but Saints believe there is enough to make it a good move for all parties.