Once seen as next star to come off the Southampton assembly line, Josh Sims is now a shell of his former status. Joining Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls on loan for the second time in less than a year, Sims’ career at Southampton now appears to be over. The chain of events that led to this moment will only serve to remind many of what just could have been for Sims.
Josh Sims: Southampton Playmaker Now a Lost Star
A Budding Star and a Famous Moment
Working his way up through the famed Southampton youth academy, Josh Sims was one of two youth stars to make an impact during Claude Puel’s tenure with the club. Alongside Sam McQueen, Sims became an important player for the Saints. Appearing in multiple English Premier League matches back in 2016/17, he quickly became a fan favourite.
Helping Southampton maintain top-half run in the league, Sims’ biggest moment would come during that season’s League Cup. Playing away to Liverpool in the second leg of the semi-final, he turned in what will likely remain as his grandest Southampton moment. With Saints clinging to a 1-0 aggregate lead at Anfield, Sims won the ball in his own half before embarking on a daring run.
Quickly transitioning from defence-to-attack, he began a quick developing counter-attack that led him to the top of the penalty area. He then played in Shane Long, who provided the finish to send the Saints through to the final.
The Beginning of the End
After appearing in 13 matches for then Southampton manager Claude Puel, Sims’ fall from grace would begin following the Frenchman’s departure. Remaining with the club under new boss Mauricio Pellegrino, Sims made just five appearances in all competitions. The young Englishman’s predicament would then continue following Pellegrino’s sacking in March of 2018.
Playing under Mark Hughes for the remainder of the campaign, Sims went on to make just two more appearances for Southampton. The following summer, Sims would be sent out on loan to Reading. Making just five starts for the EFL Championship side, Sims continued to stagnate at club level.
However, things began to trend upward for the Englishman following the appointment of Ralph Hasenhuttl by Southampton. Recalled almost immediately by the Austrian, Sims went on to make seven Premier League appearances for the Saints. In fact, these performances made many believe that Josh Sims could once again find a role with the South Coast club.
New York Red Bulls Loan Move
That belief was quickly squashed out this past summer. Making the move across the Atlantic, Sims joined the New York Red Bulls at the beginning of August. Appearing in eight matches for the American side, Sims became both a fan and staff favourite. Turning in a number of good performances, Sims punctuated his time at the club by scoring a goal in the Red Bulls’ 4-3 MLS Cup play-offs loss to Philadelphia.
Returning to Southampton following this result, Sims remained on the fringe part of the Saint’s plans. Failing to even make an appearance with the Saints U23 side, Sims’ time at Southampton was clearly numbered. With the Red Bulls also keen to bring Sims back to the club, the Englishman’s time on the South Coast was close to ending.
Joining New York on loan for the next six months, it appears likely that Sims will never make another appearance for Southampton. With his current contract ending this summer, it seems unlikely that the Saints will want to pick-up their one-year option. Meanwhile, Sims has clearly become a top choice for the Red Bulls. Combine this with his contract situation at Southampton and the Englishman could soon make his New York move a permanent one.
Thus would end the once-promising career. Once seen as the next great Saints academy star, Josh Sims is now a lost star; a star which Southampton will never be able to get back.
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