Southampton manager Russell Martin has expressed his approval of the decision to loan midfielder Carlos Alcaraz to Italian giants Juventus, citing it as a move that “suits everyone.”
Alcaraz, who joined Southampton from Racing Club in January 2023, faced challenges in helping the team avoid relegation despite contributing four goals in 18 Premier League games. This season, however, the 21-year-old has managed only three goals in 23 Championship matches.
Martin acknowledged that the loan provides Alcaraz with an “amazing opportunity” to play for a club of Juventus’s stature and rich history. The Argentine midfielder, known as Charly, has struggled for consistent game time, completing 90 minutes only three times in the league this season.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for him to go and play for a huge club with a huge history,” Martin stated, emphasizing that the move aligns with Alcaraz’s desire for more playing time. Juventus reportedly holds an option to buy Alcaraz for around £40 million in the summer.
Martin acknowledged the depth in Southampton’s midfield with the early signing of Joe Rothwell and the imminent return of Joe Aribo. He revealed the awareness of interest in Alcaraz from various clubs in January, stating, “If he had stayed, no problem, but he’s ended up going. I think it suits everyone, I think Charly wants to play more and he has the chance to go and make an impression at a huge football club.”
Director of football Jason Wilcox echoed Martin’s sentiments, expressing confidence that the move to Juventus would provide Alcaraz with the opportunity to flourish before returning to Southampton as a success.
“Juventus are a huge club, and we are convinced that this move will allow Charly the opportunity to flourish and then come back and be a success at Southampton,” commented Wilcox.