Southampton needs to excel in the summer transfer window to ensure their stay in the Premier League next season.
Manager Russell Martin led his team to a 1-0 play-off victory over Leeds United at Wembley, but with next season on the horizon, there’s little time to celebrate.
Following their promotion, Southampton confirmed the permanent signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis from Manchester City for £20 million, yet significant efforts in the transfer market are still required.
It’s well known that Martin is eager to sign Ryan Fraser and Flynn Downes permanently, as both have been crucial while on loan.
However, Southampton will be without Stuart Armstrong, as the club has confirmed that the 32-year-old will depart when his contract expires this summer.
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Southampton Need Defensive Reinforcements
The first priority is addressing the goalkeeper position. Gavin Bazunu was the clear first choice until he ruptured his Achilles in April, leading to Alex McCarthy stepping in for the remainder of the season.
McCarthy is another player whose contract expires this summer, with his future still undecided. Regardless, Bazunu will be sidelined for at least the first few months of the season and needs to be replaced.
The club hopes that promotion will ensure Kyle Walker-Peters stays, but another right-back is necessary as James Bree is unlikely to handle the higher level of competition.
At left-back, Ryan Manning’s defensive shortcomings are a concern, and Southampton must seek an upgrade in this position. Even with the permanent signing of Harwood-Bellis, another center-back is required.
Southampton also need to replace departing players.
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In midfield, Southampton’s priority is to make Downes’ move permanent; if unsuccessful, they will desperately need another holding midfielder.
Joe Rothwell and David Brooks are unlikely to be signed permanently after their loans from Bournemouth, with Rothwell being particularly disappointing.
Stuart Armstrong’s departure leaves a significant creative gap in midfield, necessitating an upgrade to replace the Scotland international.
Kamaldeen Sulemana barely played in the second half of last season and will almost certainly be moved on. Unless Fraser signs, Samuel Edozie will be the only senior winger at the club.
Therefore, the club should target either Fraser plus one other winger or perhaps even two new wingers.
With Adam Armstrong performing best out wide last season and Che Adams potentially leaving as a free agent, this leaves only Ross Stewart and Sekou Mara as central strikers.
Stewart has only featured in four games since his signing last summer due to injuries, and Mara’s inconsistency may lead to his departure as he continues to miss opportunities.
Southampton must learn from their past mistakes in the Premier League and secure a top striker who can consistently score goals, or they risk relegation once again.
Considering Armstrong’s adaptability to play centrally and Stewart’s potential improvement with a full pre-season, one high-profile signing as a center forward might be sufficient.
Taking all factors into account, Southampton needs nine signings this summer to maximize their chances of survival. These include a goalkeeper, right-back, center-back, left-back, holding midfielder, attacking midfielder, two wingers, and a striker.