According to reports from his native Poland, Jan Bednarek wants to leave Saints for a fresh challenge elsewhere, in truth many Southampton fans would agree that in the second half of last season his performances were uninspired.

When Jan Bednarek didn't play against Manchester City in the FA Cup, the comments from Ralph Hasenhuttl suggested that the Austrian was not happy about the reasons behind this and that the Polish central defender was more interested in his countries upcoming games than his clubs.

Watching Bednarek's body language you could tell that something was amiss from the start of the season, back then he found himself on the bench in the opening 4 games in the Premier League and his only appearance came in the home draw with Manchester United when he came on at half time.

However he came back in the side for the 5th game of the season a 0-0 draw at Manchester City and was pretty much a mainstay in the starting line up for the rest of the season, aside from the last two games when again he found himself an unused sub.

Rumours surfaced of Bednarek's unrest although no concrete reasons for that has so far emerged other than Hasenhuttl's vague comment after the City cup tie.

Media outlets in Poland are suggesting that he wants away from St Mary's and they also link him with a move to AS Roma, suggesting that the player or his agent has been tapped up.

Certainly Bednarek was happy enough at St Mary's 18 months ago when he signed a new 4 1/2 year deal with the club.

The report also claims that Southampton are quite happy for him to go and have already set a price tag of 15 million Euros for his transfer fee.

This seems a little low for a player who has pretty much been a mainstay of the Saints team for the past four seasons after joining in the summer of 2017, has played 130 Premier League games for the club as well as another 19 in cup competitions.

Not to mention his 40 caps for Poland.

I would suggest that Saints will be looking for a bit more than 15 million Euros and nearer £20 million for a player who still has 3 years left on his contract.

However perhaps Saints will look for a quick and easy sale if there are internal issues with Bednarek.

Certainly there are several option in the centre of defence, Mohammed Salisu, Jack Stephens Lyanco & even Yan Valery can play in the position and they have been joined by new signing Armel Bella-Kotchap with Dynel Simeu last summers signing from Chelsea said to be ready for a breakthrough after a loan spell at Carlisle to toughen him up.

It would be sad to see Bednarek leave, however he does not seem to have his heart at the club anymore and in truth has stagnated over the past year or so and not kicked on to be the player he could have been.

I think we will soon be saying goodbye to Jan Bednarek and from a playing perspective he might not be as big a miss than in other positions, I wish him well, for all but perhaps the last couple of months of his time here he has been a good player to have in the team.

Photo: Action Images

BESaint added 13:36 - Jun 24 I saw him walking through a quiet part of Winchester recently, he looked knackered.... he was pushing a baby in a buggy, maybe some connection!?
2

DorsetIan added 13:50 - Jun 24 He's got his weaknesses, but he's served the club well at a time when others at the back have been far more flaky. If he leaves, that's just one more decent defender we've got to find.
8

underweststand added 15:30 - Jun 24 A lot of a players success - or otherwise depends on those around him and t.b.f. a lot has changed in our back line in a short time. We haven't stabilised the CB slots since we lost Fonte and VvD. Jan has DAJFU given the circumstances and I think a move will be good for both parties. Like all players he has his limitations but in the final analysis he doesn't have the pace to cope with some of the Prems better strikers.

1

Block8 added 15:46 - Jun 24 Bednarek is probably our best CH in conventional terms. However the style we play, where we often leave our two CH's exposed, doesn't suit his abilities. This may show if he goes to a more defensive side. Having said that if he is not happy here, then he needs to go but do we have the experience to replace him? We certainly have potential but is all that potential ready to come to the fore? Lets hope so COYR.

3

Monksway added 15:51 - Jun 24 Agree. Bednarek has been part of a revolving and generally inconsistent series of centre back partnerships and defence. Most of the time he has been the best of a poor lot but we need a complete reboot. He has always been committed and hardworking so we should wish him well.
5

highfield49 added 15:53 - Jun 24 Any player who doesn't want to proudly wear the shirt should be shown the exit door. If he wants to go and kiss the badge at Roma good luck to him. A fee of 15 million Euros and his wages off the books is much better deal than hanging on to a player whose value will drop when he isn't playing for club or country.
-5

landsdownsaint added 16:11 - Jun 24 I think he’s been a great Saints player & someone allways 1009% for the cause , so it’s good luck to him from me
4

EvertonSaint added 16:33 - Jun 24 He has easily been the best centre half over the last three years, but if his heart is no longer at St Marys, good luck Yan and thank you for keeping us in the Premier League.
3

wrathoftazz added 17:33 - Jun 24 Its Ralph's fault.. most of the players don't agree with him and want out... that comes from the stadium, despite what is publicly stated. Can't blame them either. He is crippling the club
0

saintmark1976 added 19:42 - Jun 24 On the money once again wrathoftazz. Since when did dispensing with the services of an established Premiership defender with three years left on his contract make any sense? Every player who leaves us never has a good word to say about Ralph. As you say, he is crippling the club.
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sandywelsh added 19:46 - Jun 24 Why let Jan Bednarek go and keep CRAP Stephens whats going on in our club?
2

Farlow added 22:16 - Jun 24 I think Bednarek is not strong enough and the most overrated defender by Saints fans. If we get 15 mill that will be good business.
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SanMarco added 23:26 - Jun 24 Not the first CB I would have chosen to go. Another one that needs replacing and, whatever his limitations, this guy is an experienced player. When Nick lists the replacement options I only see one good (but inexperienced) player and several who are either useless or yet to prove themselves. JB did alright for us and I wish him well.
2

Saints4prem added 12:34 - Jun 27 The bottom line is that he is an ok defender but does not have the (any) pace to cope with our current playing system. I think Ralph did extremely well to keep us up last year and is a football manager not someone in a popularity poll. He has a system that he has a lot of faith in and if the board can bring in the players he wants I think we are in for a good season ahead. Do not forget that next year clubs can use 5 substitutes so there is always a place for Mr Long.

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