I think the problem he had was he stayed at saints till his was 25!
I think signing a 4 and half year deal with us was a mistake. I get it, good money and would help him set up a good base for financial security in the future, but the chances of making it with us was so slim.
Should have signed for an EFL club and carve out a career at that level getting plenty of games under his belt. He had 4 seasons of consecutive season long loans. I get the first couple but by the time of the 3rd he should have moved on but the money/contract probably kept him at the club rather than asking for a move.