Southampton manager Claude Puel indicated that he had no regrets about selling former captain Jose Fonte to the Hammers as quoted by the Squawka.
The defender who played for Southampton since 2009 surprised many when he handed in a transfer request at the start of the transfer window last month. This seemingly suggests that there must have been a rift between Puel and Fonte.
Rumors had been circulating that Manchester United were looking to sign Fonte, however at the end West Brom and West Ham were the only clubs that made contact with West Ham about luring him.
Puel said, “This position was difficult since the beginning of the season and it was important to find a solution for Jose and the club. Keeping an unhappy player is difficult.”
Puel was definitely correct to sell Fonte. It is after all difficult for a player who is unsettled to perform well at a club. Had he stayed, he would have affected team chemistry and struggled to maintain good form.