Clear hint that Southampton have big plans for teenage talent Michael Obafemi?

Add as preferred source on Google

Southampton have reportedly informed the Football Association of Ireland that they do not want young attacker Michael Obafemi participating in this summer’s European under-19 Championships in Armenia. 

As reported by Herald, Southampton have informed the Republic of Ireland authorities that the 18-year-old is not available for selection. 

So could this hint at a big season ahead for the Irish talent?

Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl is a big fan of Obafemi. Speaking after a serious hamstring problem ended his season in February, the Austrian was quoted by the Irish Independent. The Southampton boss labelled the injury ‘a disaster’. 

“The worst thing is for himself. A big injury, at this age when you want to play, you want to get experience, you want to make the next step in your development, it doesn’t help him a lot for the future.

“It’s a big problem for his career of playing professional football. We can find solutions but for him it is a disaster.

“He was down, that’s for sure. We need to take him in our arms a little bit because for a young player it’s the worst that can happen.”

Hasenhuttl wants to bring through the young players at Southampton. Obafemi is undoubtedly one of those he has in mind. 

In the coach’s second game in charge Obafemi scored in a 3-1 win over Huddersfield, before hamstring trouble began to plague him. 

If not, it is likely the Irish youngster would have been playing regularly for Southampton throughout the campaign. 

Obafemi told the Irish Times in April that he would be fit for pre-season and was ready to represent Ireland. But Southampton clearly feel he should have a full pre-season to try and avoid any repeat of his injury troubles through 2019-20. 

If that proves the case, then Saints fans can expect to see plenty of Obafemi this season.