Now, before I go any further it has to be said that there has been a absolute load of toss talked about Agustin since his arrival.
We've had reports of fall outs, huffs, players going AWOL and dodgy dealings by agents and FAs. Nearly all of it turned out to be storm in a tea cup stuff. In other words, until the official word comes form the club that Delgado has gone, take everything with a large pinch of salt.
There's an exclusive report on Planet football which states that Delgado has quit the club due to his frustration at being hated by the manager and subsequently not appearing in the team.
This is the first odd thing. Delgado has been injured. That, as far as I was aware, was the reason he wasn't playing. The knee injury he had when he arrived, is still plaguing him and he'll need to work on it in both training and in the reserves before he's ready to return.
While Jo Tessem works hard, and is an asset to the squad, I'd be much happier with a fit Delgado in the side. At least to see how he does with a few games under his belt.
While Gordon Strachan has been far from tactful in some of his comments regarding Delgado, the club were hoping he would be a success. If only so they could make a profit on his transfer.
"The coach has used every excuse to keep him out me out of the squad," said Delgado. It's obvious that he hates me, and South Americans in general. He never gave my friend Chala even one chance on the bench in one year,even though he played well in the World Cup. Every other player gets chances on the bench, but not him.
"Strachan has used every excuse to fight with me and keep me from starting. I thought I played well when we won against Arsenal, but that was not enough, and he kept putting me in the
reserves to train.
"Now I am leaving for good."
Now apparently, Agustin really doesn't want to leave. He says "I really like Southampton, the fans were great to me, the chairman and administration treated me very well, but it's obvious that this coach only wants European players in the squad."
So, Agustin ever the altruist is doing the best for all concerned. "So I'm doing him a favour by leaving. I told the my agent to work out whatever solution he can with the team," said Agustin.
"I came here to play, if the coach doesn't want me to play I'll do him a favour and go home.
Agustin's agent Eric Manasse said "He is leaving tomorrow. I don't know what Southampton wants to do because they don't want to lose what they have invested in him.
"We are trying to work out a solution for both parties, perhaps a swap for another forward, but will see how it progresses."
Now, bearing in mind that none of this is official, I'll bleat on about it anyway. I've always thought that the signing of Chala and Delgado was a move by the club to try and capitalise on the World Cup, and to try and open up new markets in South America (albeit it in none of the big countries).
Strachan came in just before the conclusion of the transfer to see that a good percentage of his funds had already been allocated towards a player he really didn't rate.
Delgado's injury has kept him out practically ever since. While he may feel he can walk straight back into the team, Strachan thinks otherwise. He demands a high level of fitness and commitment. With the language problems he has with Delgado, he clearly doesn't see this. The above quotes will just further entrench this view.
As far as I'm concerned, as long as Saints receive compensation I'm not too bothered if he does leave. He hasn't played enough to warrant any feelings of loss at his departure.
If Delgado does go, I can see him being banned by FIFA and Saints going through a lot of hassle in a futile attempt to get their money back.