After coming off an impressive 2020-2021 season, Romain Faivre was a name on the lips of quite a few scouts across Europe. The 23-year old was a standout player for Stade Brestois 29 during the campaign, proving to be one of the most versatile and creative forwards in France. Extra Time Talk looks at the potential Romain Faivre transfer destinations.
According to Sky Italia, talks of a move to AC Milan were rumored to be in its advanced stages in the summer, but negotiations stalled after Brest rejected their bid. Sources also suggested that European giants Manchester United hold an interest.
Romain Faivre Transfer Destinations Assessed
Manchester United
In the 4-4-2 system that manager Jocelyn Gourvennec employs, Romain Faivre would fit like a glove. With a capacity to find teammates in scoring positions and progress the ball up the pitch, he could really play anywhere along the midfield line. Faivre’s found most of his success at Stade Brest as a false-nine though, which could allow him to pair up top with another center-forward. Considering that Faivre is excellent at pressuring the ball carrier, he would strengthen Lille’s defensive block as well.
A future move for Faivre would certainly suit both parties. Lille is in need of support in their creative department, while the player would relish the prospect of playing for a much more competitive club.
AC Milan
Although the Rossoneri failed to sign the man this past summer, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them come back around again. There’s something about this Milan team that’s screaming for a player like Faivre, and he could just be the answer they were looking for.
Stefano Pioli‘s side lineup in a 4-2-3-1, a system that is quite familiar to Faivre. The 23-year-old would thrive in that right-midfield slot, where he’d be able to cut inside on his favored left foot or drift centrally and interchange with attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz. Because of the Frenchman’s versatile positioning, he could provide a genuine fluidity in attack and change roles with the other forwards frequently in matches.
With a squad that’s great in the press and already creates bulk of chances, adding Faivre would only bolster what they have. Adding depth and creating a positional battle with Alexis Saelemaekers could be beneficial for both players’ development as well. For a team that put up a good fight against Liverpool in the Champions League recently, Faivre could be the player that brings them over the hump.
Southampton
Although the Premier League outfit might seem the least likely option of the three, Faivre would fit straight into this squad. Ralph Hassenhutl’s side has shown their grit in bringing the ball up the pitch and in the press, but they’ve struggled to round off most of their chances.
In an all-familiar 4-4-2 system, Faivre could slide in comfortably at right midfield or as a center-forward. Not only would the Frenchmen provide much-needed creativity in attack, but his defensive effort would allow the team to maintain its pressing structure. His addition would create competition with wingers Nathan Redmond and Mohamed Elyounoussi, both of whom have struggled at the start of this season. He’d also provide the much-needed link between midfielders James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu, and forwards Che Adams and Adam Armstrong.
Southampton is a club that’s been going through a period of change. With a combination of eager youth and a structured core of veteran players, a true playmaker like Faivre could increase their chances of challenging for a mid-top table spot. He’d also be following in the footsteps of former teammate Romain Perraud, who made the move to Southampton this past summer.
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