Werder Bremen are wobbling on a potential permanent deal for Southampton defender Yukinari Sugawara after a recent dip in form.
That’s according to BILD, who cover the Southampton loanee today. The 25-year-old joined the German side on loan in the summer. That deal includes an option for them to make it permanent.
That looked like a certainty at the start of the season. Sugawara established himself as one of Werder’s top signings, becoming undisputed at right back.
However, for the past weeks, that has changed. The Japanese international has been ‘increasingly inaccurate and error-prone’. That was the case in the North Derby against HSV, during which the Southampton loanee was ‘completely out of sorts’. All of HSV’s dangerous attacks came down his flank.
Even in the weeks prior, his performances weren’t always as strong as they had been at the beginning of the season. There have been caveats to that, such as returning from a long international break after which he took sleeping pills due to jet lag.
Mixed experience for Southampton defender
Werder Bremen are aware of his inconsistent performances, though. They’re causing some concern, albeit not panic. The Southampton defender has still left an overall positive impression despite his weak showings.
“The game was very challenging for him,” Werder’s sporting director, Peter Niemeyer told BILD.
“Nevertheless, we are very satisfied with him. It’s perfectly normal to see fluctuations in his performance.”
While he’s positive in public, BILD report that it’s still undecided whether Werder will exercise their purchase option. The €6m fee is a significant sum for the ‘financially strapped’ Bremen club.
His shaky performances aren’t pushing them towards spending it either. The Southampton ‘would be well advised’ to get back to the strong form he showed at the start of the season if he wants a permanent move, and a guaranteed place at the World Cup as well.
