In a dwindling squad versatile players are valuable and Pele can play at centre back as well as defensive midfield. However, despite showing touches of class at centre back Burley admitted (not that) Pele struggled against the trademark Championship 'sack of spuds' centre forward.
Unfortunately, this weakness was exposed on the highest stage in the first leg of the play-off semi final when he conceded a penalty and had a torrid time against Steve Howard.
His best moments in a Saints shirt came when Burley moved him to central midfield. In his first games in that position he looked a class act, shielding the back four well and showing plenty of ability on the ball.
That newfound confidence seemed to fade as he drifted in and out of the team and with Safri now signed as the holding midfielder, he faced a season fighting to get back into the starting line-up.
Pele's move should allow Burley to now put in an offer for former Dutch U21 international centre back Ruud Knol who is on trial at the club and impressed in the reserves against Woking. Available on a Bosman, Knol does have many clubs after his signature, so Saints will have to hope they can make him a satisfactory offer.
Saints are also reported to have had an offer rejected for Plymouth midfield dynamo David Norris. Although it is thought unlikely that Saints will be able to pull off the move, it is at least encouraging that we are on the lookout for more than a centre back.
We just have to hope that the funds will not be coming from the sale of 'unsettled' Kenwyne Jones, subject of the interest of Derby.