For Southampton, the approaching January transfer window may be crucial. It may be possible to determine from incoming transfers whether the Saints are battling for their lives or are aware that relegation may already be on the horizon.
The Southampton board decided to go on a spending binge in January of 2022–2023 and spent an estimated £60 million to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana, Paul Onuachu, Carlos Alcaraz, and other players.
The founders of Southampton, Sports Republic, have learned firsthand that spending money isn’t enough to keep a business afloat. Nathan Jones was also head coach at the time, a manager who was much out of his depth in the Premier League. With Ivan Jurić as their top aim over Jones two seasons ago, they seem to have settled this managerial dilemma. In light of the current circumstances, the Croatian maintains optimism and strives to make history amid potential inflows and outflows. He states:
Since no one has ever survived in this circumstance, I am aware that it will be a very difficult job. But I have a lot of hope. I believe we can do something extraordinary. The men must be inspired to take on a task that has never been done before.
But where do the Saints need to strengthen their team? Will they need to sell players to spend and how will these potential signings bolster their chances of survival or prepare a promotion push next season?
Possible Outgoings
An overhaul in the summer has resulted in many underused players, especially in the attacking positions.
The Southampton board will need to trim the squad down for wages and allow certain players to leave in search of consistent game time. The potential departures are:
- Ronnie Edwards (Loan) *Confirmed to QPR
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
- Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (Loan)
- Maxwel Cornet (Termination of Loan)
- Ben Brereton Díaz
Where To Improve?
This season, the South Coast team has struggled defensively, giving up the third-highest number of goals in the league. In any case, there is currently less need for hiring in that sector given the fresh knowledge that Armel Bella-Kotchap will compete for his job and the recent minor defense upgrades.
With only 12 goals this season, the Saints need to prioritize adding more forwards. With an xG of 19.7, they have significantly underperformed in the last third of their output. In order to go over the finish line, attacking support—whether in the form of a loan signing or an experienced forward—should be considered essential.
Southampton’s relegation has arrived much too soon this season, but the board is unable to drastically alter the squad’s roster because of salaries and the number of players they already have. They could consider strengthening the following two roles, which I have identified:
- Attacking/Wide Midfielder
- Striker
Attacking/Wide Midfielder
Technical ability and speed are essential for the attacking midfielder due to their role in the aggressive press and their need to create goal-scoring opportunities. Mateus Fernandes is the only natural attacking midfielder at St. Marys since Urić employs potential alternative Joe Aribo deeper in the centre.
James McAtee
Southampton loanee Maxwel Cornet is reportedly returning to West Ham after featuring in just two league games this season. James McAtee could be a viable replacement.
From his time at Sheffield United, McAtee was renowned for his creativity and playmaking skills; he has the vision and technical ability to unlock defences and provide consistent chances for strikers. Operating in the ten in a 3-4-1-2 formation or wide forward in a 3-4-2-1, the Englishman could excel at finding space between the lines and threading precise passes, as shown in the graph, performing in the 90.9% for key passes amongst midfielders. During the 2022/23 season, the 22-year-old was often utilised in a 3-at-the-back setup, amassing nine goals and three assists in the Championship.
Giorgi Chakvetadze
Giorgi Chakvetadze, at 25 years old, has established himself as a formidable presence in the Championship, showcasing his potential ability in the Premier League for the Saints. His performances have been praised for his creativity and ball control, which have made him a key player in Watford’s pursuit of play-offs. His age also adds to his appeal for Southampton, offering a perfect balance of experience and potential for future development.
His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, combined with his vision for incisive passes (as shown in the graph), could be pivotal under Ivan Jurić’s management, who favours a dynamic, attacking style. The Georgian’s recent displays in the Championship indicate he could adapt seamlessly to Southampton’s needs, whether they stay in the Premier League or drop down to the Championship. His contract situation with Watford might complicate matters as he signed a new deal until 2029, but a transfer fee around £15-20 million could suffice for both the current and long-term future of Southampton.
Jaden Philogene
Jaden Philogene is a 22-year-old winger who recently returned to Aston Villa after a successful stint at Hull City. His versatility to play on both wings (and even at wingback) combined with his ability to score and create chances should make him an attractive loan option for Southampton, especially as they need a comfortable winger in one-on-one situations.
Philogene’s ability to read the game and adapt to various positions could make him an asset in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His improvisation would let him influence the dynamic nature of this formation, where the two attacking forwards behind the striker can interchange roles, providing the fluidity that Ivan Urić desires in his attack. From the width provided by the wingbacks and the defensive stability with the three centerbacks, the English winger could utilise his creativity in the central areas, operating in the final third to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Striker
Many fans were surprised by the return of Paul Onuachu this season. The Nigerian provides a unique profile of a number nine, with more physical presence. However, his future is uncertain and, with Ross Stewart’s frequent injuries, squad rotation will be necessary up top.
Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson emerged onto the scene as one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects, receiving huge interest from big teams. However, his form has declined due to competition at Brighton and subsequent injuries. A possible loan transfer to Southampton might give him the consistent playing time he needs to rebuild his belief in his ability to score goals.
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