Southampton’s midfield ranks look as if they’ll be subject to lots of Premier League interest this summer.
Indeed, already, Shea Charles has been noted as having admirers from Manchester United, and we haven’t even hit June on the calendar.
Alongside Charles, the Saints will be facing a losing battle to keep Caspar Jander rooted at St. Mary’s, with interest in his services emerging from the Bundesliga.
Cameron Bragg could benefit from both these first-team figures leaving, with the homegrown Southampton product impressing in bursts last season when selected in Championship action.
Bragg could gain more first team minutes
17 league appearances would fall into the promising 21-year-old’s lap this season just gone under Tonda Eckert.
You would anticipate that this number would go up next season, particularly if Charles and Jander do find pastures new, with the Winchester-born midfielder never looking out of his depth when shoved into the deep-end of the second tier.
The number 48 would come into his own towards the end of the regular season, with an away day showing at Preston North End, on the final day of the campaign, seeing him spray the ball about with ease, finishing the game with just one misplaced pass from 51 passes.
Winning five tackles and duels, as well, against the Lilywhites, the future looks very bright for the 5-foot-10 talent on the South Coast, with more senior opportunites set to come his way if the midfield department at Southampton does undergo a slight makeover.
Southampton fans wouldn’t say no to Bragg gaining more first-team minutes, either, as the St. Mary’s faithful love a success story from the academy.
He has also come out with a statement recently on social media that shows off a maturity beyond his years that will have further made the Saints masses admire one of their own.
The youngster has also spoken out
Southampton fans will want everyone who is sticking it out with their beloved club, despite the trauma of Spygate cutting deep, to be fully committed to the task of pulling the Saints out of the mire next season.
Bragg appears to be the sort of character who will be willing to give his all for the cause, having been a youth player at the South Coast outfit since 2013, when he was just a child learning the ropes.
Now, he has a great chance of being a clear first-team presence next season, and the midfielder, who signed a new contract back in November, has already set his sights on a successful new campaign when the first ball is kicked in August, based on his latest Instagram comments.
Taking to Instagram, the level-headed 21-year-old stated: “How to sum up this season? What felt like the making of a dream ending with so much hurt and disappointment.
“I think it’s been important to take some time to reflect individually and collectively. The love I have felt from the fans all year has been terrific.
“They continue to support through the highest and most challenging moments.
“Personally, it’s been an incredible year, and I’m so grateful for the people who have followed and supported me all through this journey.
“For now, it’s an important time to rest and prepare for what will be another important season.”
The youngster has a phenomenal opportunity next campaign to be a fan favourite from the centre of the park, not only because he has acknowledged the support last season as “terrific”, but because he feels ready for a breakout moment as many senior figures jump ship.
It will be tough, but Bragg has risen to every battle he has faced so far in the senior ranks, so don’t be surprised if he becomes one of the first names on the team sheet next campaign as Southampton try to rise from the ashes.
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