Southampton should certainly explore permanent AFC Bournemouth transfer: View | OneFootball

Southampton FC should explore a permanent transfer for AFC Bournemouth forward David Brooks in the summer, following the end of his loan move to St Mary's.

The Saints have impressed so far in the Championship this year, and sit third in the league with a game in hand over Leeds United in second place.

The addition of David Brooks has added even more talent to their already impressive squad, and keeping him beyond this season could go a long way to helping establish the Saints as a top division club in the future.

Brooks joined Southampton during the January transfer window

Following a disappointing season in the Premier League for Bournemouth, Brooks made the move to Southampton on loan during the January transfer window.

The move came after Brooks struggled to find minutes on the pitch at the Vitality Stadium. The winger played just 13 matches and 273 minutes for the Cherries in the Premier League this season, clearly not favoured by manager Andoni Iraola on the right or through the middle.

He had been a key player for the club previously, but missed 18 months of football after being diagnosed with cancer in 2021. This halted his progression, and caused him to lose his place in the Bournemouth team.

A move to the Saints was a chance to restart his career and get consistent game time for the first time since his illness.

The Wales star has impressed in his performances so far

While he has only played three times for the Saints so far, the Welshman's quality has been clear to see in the Championship.

In just 124 minutes of football, Brooks has contributed two assists for his new club, and looks to nail down a spot on the right-wing for the rest of the campaign.

With a start in the recent defeat to Bristol City, he looks set to become a starter in the squad, with the stats backing up why he should be considered a key player for the club.

In his short spell at the club so far, Brooks has immediately become one of the most creative players in the league. His expected assist stat of 0.79 per game is the most out of any player in the division, and his 2.16 chances created per game puts him in the top 15% of players in the league.

His dribbling ability is also a huge asset to the Saints. With 5.04 successful dribbles per game, and a dribble success of 87.5%, he is a key threat on the right-hand side, and could provide another creative outlet to serve Adam Armstrong up front this season.

The former Newcastle striker has already scored 16 goals in the Championship, and the addition of Brooks could help create even more chances for him.

If Southampton can sign Brooks on a permanent deal in the summer, then the pair can forge an attacking partnership that can help carry the side for years.

With his contract not expiring until 2026, the Saints may need to pay a hefty transfer fee for the former Sheffield United winger. However, Bournemouth may want to get rid of him in the summer, given the lack of play time he had at the club over the past year, so Southampton may be able to get him for a reasonable price.

It could hinge on how the Southampton do in the league, however. If they achieve promotion back to the Premier League, signing a player who is proven in the league and has played 58 games in the top division seems like an obvious decision to make.

The money they will make by going up will more than pay for Brooks' transfer fee and wages, and having a player ready-made for the team coming in would be a huge help in their attempt to stay in the league.

Signing Brooks permanently seems an obvious choice for the Saints, and it would only be Bournemouth's stubbornness that could stop them bringing the Welshman back to St Mary's once his loan deal is done.