Summer Transfer Window 2021

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, JustinSFC said:

Well, Poch was only here for a year for a start....

And the Koeman told him he had no future here, sending him out on loan. So he struggled under two decent managers. Still can’t work out why you’d think he would suddenly brilliant under Ralph.

[JustinSFC]

8 hours ago, Turkish said:

And the Koeman told him he had no future here, sending him out on loan. So he struggled under two decent managers. Still can’t work out why you’d think he would suddenly brilliant under Ralph.

There's nothing to work out mate.

It's my personal unqualified opinion on a player who played for us 5 something years ago on a football forum.

If you thought he wasn't much use that's ok too and there's nothing for me to work out there either.

Fwiw I thought Vestergaard was going to be useless, I was wrong about that aswell.

It's ok to be wrong, you don't have to be right all the time.

Imo, the squad we had at that time under Poch and Koeman was arguably the best we've ever had in the Premier League, people like Redmond would've got sent out on loan then aswell.

[SuperSAINT]

http://sportwitness.co.uk/midfielder-still-interest-southampton-already-linked-november-face-italian-competition/ 

[Turkish]

7 hours ago, JustinSFC said:

There's nothing to work out mate.

It's my personal unqualified opinion on a player who played for us 5 something years ago on a football forum.

If you thought he wasn't much use that's ok too and there's nothing for me to work out there either.

Fwiw I thought Vestergaard was going to be useless, I was wrong about that aswell.

It's ok to be wrong, you don't have to be right all the time.

Imo, the squad we had at that time under Poch and Koeman was arguably the best we've ever had in the Premier League, people like Redmond would've got sent out on loan then aswell.

I thought he was a very talented player, had a bit of class about him and in the right team and league could be great. Unfortunately that league isnt the premier league and team isn't us. I dont see why you would think a manager who plays a high pressing, high energy game could get him to perform when a better manager who plays a similar style coudn't. Dont get all upset because i'm asking questions on how you've got to that opinion. 

Edited 30 March, 2021 by Turkish

[JustinSFC]

8 minutes ago, Turkish said:

I thought he was a very talented player, had a bit of class about him and in the right team and league could be great. Unfortunately that league isnt the premier league and team isn't us. I dont see why you would think a manager who plays a high pressing, high energy game could get him to perform when a better manager who plays a similar style coudn't. Dont get all upset because i'm asking questions on how you've got to that opinion. 

I'm not getting upset wahaha.
 

Ramirez was a player who could make something happen out of nothing, you don't need to be particularly fast, work hard or be able to press to do that.
 

I don't think it was a case of managers not being able to get him to come good, remember who our squad was made up of at that time...
 

We had players in that team who have gone on to win the league, champions leagues, all the domestic cups including a world championship winner.

He wasn't getting a consistent run in the team and he wouldn't have done, we had one of the best sides in the Premier League hence we got ransacked by the top 6.

Ramirez in that team was bang average.

Ramirez in Saints 2021 team, would be one of our better players.

In my opinion, it's not because he wasn't good enough, he was just part of a team of exceptionally good player's.

[SKD]

9 minutes ago, JustinSFC said:

I'm not getting upset wahaha.
 

Ramirez was a player who could make something happen out of nothing, you don't need to be particularly fast, work hard or be able to press to do that.
 

I don't think it was a case of managers not being able to get him to come good, remember who our squad was made up of at that time...
 

We had players in that team who have gone on to win the league, champions leagues, all the domestic cups including a world championship winner.

He wasn't getting a consistent run in the team and he wouldn't have done, we had one of the best sides in the Premier League hence we got ransacked by the top 6.

Ramirez in that team was bang average.

Ramirez in Saints 2021 team, would be one of our better players.

In my opinion, it's not because he wasn't good enough, he was just part of a team of exceptionally good player's.

I don’t think Ramirez was physically strong enough for the premier league. If I remember rightly, he was always picking up injuries. 
 

Whilst you may not have to be physically fast, tadic for example, you do need to be quick in the mind. I don’t think you can teach this. For me, he was too slow on the ball and I think this is why he may be more suited to a slower paced league, like in Spain or Italy. English football is very fast paced when compared to other divisions. 
 

Technically a very good player, I just don’t think he was suited to the league and I doubt that would be any different now. 
 

However, let’s not forget he was a fairly young lad, so maybe he’s grown up and learnt a bit. Who knows. 

Edited 30 March, 2021 by SKD

[Useful Idiot]

I think Ramirez was a specialist at playing in the hole but only got to play for us there under Adkins, who pretty much got the best out of him. When he played out of position on the right under Koeman and Poch he always looked a bit crap (with the occasional flash of class like the first time chipped through ball assist for Lallana against West Brom).

I don't think he was particularly weak or slow to make decisions when on the ball, but he did get a lot of injuries (off the top of my head I remember him getting a haematoma on his thigh after a challenge in training, and ligament damage on his ankle from Wes Brown hacking him down).

He was particularly slow at reacting to pressing 'triggers' which weakened us defensively. Overall, I think he'd be utterly incapable of fitting into our current system, as he neither presses well or consistently plays well from a wide position.

[SuperSAINT]

Southampton’s win over Burnley on Sunday eased their relegation fears and means that they can start focusing on strengthening the squad this summer.

The truth, however, is that plans for the next transfer window have been in the making for quite some time, so Southampton aren’t making any knee-jerk reactions to seemingly securing their Premier League status for another year.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that potential arrivals will now know they are likely to be joining a top-flight team — it’s now a 10-point gap to third-bottom Fulham — which should make negotiations that little bit easier.

One deal Southampton hope to finalise sooner rather than later concerns Theo Walcott.

The experienced forward returned to St Mary’s in October, 14 years after his move to Arsenal, on a season-long loan which will take him to the end of his contract with Everton. This means he will be a free agent in the summer, and The Athletic understands Southampton want to ensure he will be their player for the 2021-22 campaign and beyond.

Those inside the club have been impressed by how well the 32-year-old has settled in and there’s an argument to suggest he has exceeded expectations.

The initial plan was for Walcott to be a key figure coming off the bench and for other players to heed his advice. However, the 47-cap England forward became a regular fixture in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI up until he sustained an injury against Aston Villa at the end of January. He returned to the side against Burnley and assisted Nathan Redmond’s winner.

Although a deal is yet to be agreed, it’s hoped negotiations will see Walcott extend his stay at the club he made his professional debut for in August 2005. It’s unlikely he’ll be offered a one-year deal, so he could be looking at either two or three years.

The planning for Southampton’s summer transfer window have seen each member of their leadership team playing an important role.

Matt Crocker, the club’s director of football operations, will always have one eye on the pathway for the club’s homegrown talent, essentially asking the question over each potential arrival, “If player X is signed, what does that mean for academy prospect Y?”

In terms of performing the groundwork for scouting and compiling dossiers on potential signings, Martyn Glover plays a fundamental part in the process of identifying and signing targets. His knowledge and sound judgment are praised by sources familiar with his methods.

Martin Semmens, the chief executive, will be involved in the overall plan and negotiations, and Toby Steele, the managing director, has the key, objective role of looking at the finances and saying whether a mooted deal works or not. It should go without saying that no player will be signed without Hasenhuttl’s approval.

As well as trying to wrap up a deal to keep Walcott around, one source suggested to The Athletic there will be a “shake-up” in the squad’s attacking department. This, it’s hoped, will see the club adding a new striker on a permanent deal.

Another source hinted that if a striker is signed, he will be younger than 23 years old, which suits the club’s model of buying talent with potential in the belief they can develop them.

Because of this, The Athletic is led to believe one forward could leave this summer.

Danny Ings is the obvious candidate, given he’s out of contract in 2022 and features on Manchester City’s list of options, although conversations point to either Shane Long or Michael Obafemi departing St Mary’s.

Long joined Championship neighbours Bournemouth on loan on February 2 after falling down the Southampton pecking order and it’s unlikely he’ll see his minutes on the pitch increase if he returns to his parent club — especially as Redmond is now viewed by Hasenhuttl as a striker. The same can also be said for Obafemi, who was close to a Championship loan himself in the winter window, with Swansea City, before a serious knee injury scuppered that move.

While chasing a striker may come as a surprise, the supporters won’t be shocked by the fact Southampton are targeting not one full-back but two. Sources indicate the club are looking to sign a permanent left-back and add another player on loan who can provide cover, although an option to buy would be important in this instance.

Southampton have tried to get Manchester United’s Brandon Williams in the last two windows, and he remains a live option. The 20-year-old can play on either side of the defence and was keen to sign on loan at the start of the season. However, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked that move and assured the academy product of game time, something which hasn’t come to fruition throughout a condensed 2020-21 campaign with Williams only make two Premier League appearances, both as a substitute.

The Athletic has also learnt of interest in Liverpool’s Neco Williams. The 19-year-old plays as a right-back but featured at left-back for Wales during the recent international break, and it’s this level of versatility Southampton are keen to explore.

A deal similar to the one that brought Kyle Walker-Peters in from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 is seen as the model to follow, in terms of having the option to make a loan move permanent. That is what the club would at least want to have the opportunity to do if they have developed someone else’s player for a season.

Given that Southampton are looking at adding a permanent left-back to the squad, it automatically raises concerns over Ryan Bertrand’s long-term future. The former Chelsea player is out of contract in the summer, when he will turn 32, and is yet to sign a new deal.

Should Bertrand depart, it could be that 21-year-old Jake Vokins, who is gaining experience in League One having joined Sunderland on loan in January, becomes the second-choice left-back next season, backing up whoever the new arrival might be.

It’s too early to say what the future looks like for Yan Valery. Despite an injury crisis earlier this year, Hasenhuttl sanctioned his loan exit to Birmingham City of the Championship on February 1. With the club looking at support for Walker-Peters, the writing could be on the wall for the 22-year-old Frenchman’s time on the south coast.

There are also question marks hanging over central defence.

Jannik Vestergaard has been linked to Spurs in recent weeks and has just over 12 months remaining on his contract, but he will only be sold if it becomes clear he wants out, and a good offer is made. Should that happen, Southampton will be aware of the fact another player will have to be signed to replace him. Chelsea’s Marc Guehi, currently on loan at Swansea, has been mentioned as a player they are interested in. However, that’s as far as it goes at this moment in time.

Jack Stephens’ future is also a topic worth thinking about. The defender signed a long-term contract at the start of the season but has had to settle for a place behind Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu in the pecking order.

At this moment in time, the expectation is that Stephens and Vestergaard will still be Southampton players next season.

---

As is commonly known about Southampton, they are a club who need to sell players to raise funds — and that won’t be any different this summer.

The MSD Capital loan, which totals £78.8 million, can be used on new signings but maybe isn’t best utilised to fund a summer spending spree.

The hope is that finances will be raised from the likes of Wesley Hoedt and Mario Lemina, currently on loan at Lazio and Fulham respectively, being sold. However, those two will have 12 months remaining on their contract at the end of this season, so it’s unlikely they will command significant fees.

Interestingly, Mohamed Elyounoussi, another player out on loan, is expected to return to Southampton from deposed Scottish champions Celtic in the summer and will be given the chance to impress Hasenhuttl.

It’s believed the 53-year-old will use pre-season to take a close look at the Norway international. The fact he’s left-footed, a quality not common throughout the Southampton squad, could work in Elyounoussi’s favour.

This point is worth making as it is not unreasonable to consider him a player who could be sold to raise funds as he still has two years left on his Southampton contract and has scored 16 goals for Celtic this season.

---

The Athletic has been told Southampton are already working on several deals and hope to get at least two of them over the line before the season ends on May 23.

If that proves to be the case, it should stand them in great stead going into a transfer window where other clubs will be exploring the loan market or trying to sign a promising player permanently for relatively small money.

Despite trying to get the bulk of their work done early, you’d expect Ings’ future to dominate the headlines until he either signs a new contract or another club comes in and makes an acceptable offer for his services.

But Southampton will continue going about their business in a quiet and proactive way in the meantime, to ensure they maximise their resources.

Edited 6 April, 2021 by SuperSAINT

[skintsaint]

42 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

The Athletic has been told Southampton are already working on several deals and hope to get at least two of them over the line before the season ends on May 23.

Believe it when I see it, look forward to the panic last minute loanee on transfer window day.

[Chris cooper]

1 hour ago, SuperSAINT said:

 

Southampton’s win over Burnley on Sunday eased their relegation fears and means that they can start focusing on strengthening the squad this summer.

The truth, however, is that plans for the next transfer window have been in the making for quite some time, so Southampton aren’t making any knee-jerk reactions to seemingly securing their Premier League status for another year.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that potential arrivals will now know they are likely to be joining a top-flight team — it’s now a 10-point gap to third-bottom Fulham — which should make negotiations that little bit easier.

One deal Southampton hope to finalise sooner rather than later concerns Theo Walcott.

The experienced forward returned to St Mary’s in October, 14 years after his move to Arsenal, on a season-long loan which will take him to the end of his contract with Everton. This means he will be a free agent in the summer, and The Athletic understands Southampton want to ensure he will be their player for the 2021-22 campaign and beyond.

Those inside the club have been impressed by how well the 32-year-old has settled in and there’s an argument to suggest he has exceeded expectations.

The initial plan was for Walcott to be a key figure coming off the bench and for other players to heed his advice. However, the 47-cap England forward became a regular fixture in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI up until he sustained an injury against Aston Villa at the end of January. He returned to the side against Burnley and assisted Nathan Redmond’s winner.

Although a deal is yet to be agreed, it’s hoped negotiations will see Walcott extend his stay at the club he made his professional debut for in August 2005. It’s unlikely he’ll be offered a one-year deal, so he could be looking at either two or three years.

The planning for Southampton’s summer transfer window have seen each member of their leadership team playing an important role.

Matt Crocker, the club’s director of football operations, will always have one eye on the pathway for the club’s homegrown talent, essentially asking the question over each potential arrival, “If player X is signed, what does that mean for academy prospect Y?”

In terms of performing the groundwork for scouting and compiling dossiers on potential signings, Martyn Glover plays a fundamental part in the process of identifying and signing targets. His knowledge and sound judgment are praised by sources familiar with his methods.

Martin Semmens, the chief executive, will be involved in the overall plan and negotiations, and Toby Steele, the managing director, has the key, objective role of looking at the finances and saying whether a mooted deal works or not. It should go without saying that no player will be signed without Hasenhuttl’s approval.

As well as trying to wrap up a deal to keep Walcott around, one source suggested to The Athletic there will be a “shake-up” in the squad’s attacking department. This, it’s hoped, will see the club adding a new striker on a permanent deal.

Another source hinted that if a striker is signed, he will be younger than 23 years old, which suits the club’s model of buying talent with potential in the belief they can develop them.

Because of this, The Athletic is led to believe one forward could leave this summer.

Danny Ings is the obvious candidate, given he’s out of contract in 2022 and features on Manchester City’s list of options, although conversations point to either Shane Long or Michael Obafemi departing St Mary’s.

Long joined Championship neighbours Bournemouth on loan on February 2 after falling down the Southampton pecking order and it’s unlikely he’ll see his minutes on the pitch increase if he returns to his parent club — especially as Redmond is now viewed by Hasenhuttl as a striker. The same can also be said for Obafemi, who was close to a Championship loan himself in the winter window, with Swansea City, before a serious knee injury scuppered that move.

While chasing a striker may come as a surprise, the supporters won’t be shocked by the fact Southampton are targeting not one full-back but two. Sources indicate the club are looking to sign a permanent left-back and add another player on loan who can provide cover, although an option to buy would be important in this instance.

Southampton have tried to get Manchester United’s Brandon Williams in the last two windows, and he remains a live option. The 20-year-old can play on either side of the defence and was keen to sign on loan at the start of the season. However, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked that move and assured the academy product of game time, something which hasn’t come to fruition throughout a condensed 2020-21 campaign with Williams only make two Premier League appearances, both as a substitute.

The Athletic has also learnt of interest in Liverpool’s Neco Williams. The 19-year-old plays as a right-back but featured at left-back for Wales during the recent international break, and it’s this level of versatility Southampton are keen to explore.

A deal similar to the one that brought Kyle Walker-Peters in from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 is seen as the model to follow, in terms of having the option to make a loan move permanent. That is what the club would at least want to have the opportunity to do if they have developed someone else’s player for a season.

Given that Southampton are looking at adding a permanent left-back to the squad, it automatically raises concerns over Ryan Bertrand’s long-term future. The former Chelsea player is out of contract in the summer, when he will turn 32, and is yet to sign a new deal.

Should Bertrand depart, it could be that 21-year-old Jake Vokins, who is gaining experience in League One having joined Sunderland on loan in January, becomes the second-choice left-back next season, backing up whoever the new arrival might be.

It’s too early to say what the future looks like for Yan Valery. Despite an injury crisis earlier this year, Hasenhuttl sanctioned his loan exit to Birmingham City of the Championship on February 1. With the club looking at support for Walker-Peters, the writing could be on the wall for the 22-year-old Frenchman’s time on the south coast.

There are also question marks hanging over central defence.

Jannik Vestergaard has been linked to Spurs in recent weeks and has just over 12 months remaining on his contract, but he will only be sold if it becomes clear he wants out, and a good offer is made. Should that happen, Southampton will be aware of the fact another player will have to be signed to replace him. Chelsea’s Marc Guehi, currently on loan at Swansea, has been mentioned as a player they are interested in. However, that’s as far as it goes at this moment in time.

Jack Stephens’ future is also a topic worth thinking about. The defender signed a long-term contract at the start of the season but has had to settle for a place behind Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu in the pecking order.

At this moment in time, the expectation is that Stephens and Vestergaard will still be Southampton players next season.

---

As is commonly known about Southampton, they are a club who need to sell players to raise funds — and that won’t be any different this summer.

The MSD Capital loan, which totals £78.8 million, can be used on new signings but maybe isn’t best utilised to fund a summer spending spree.

The hope is that finances will be raised from the likes of Wesley Hoedt and Mario Lemina, currently on loan at Lazio and Fulham respectively, being sold. However, those two will have 12 months remaining on their contract at the end of this season, so it’s unlikely they will command significant fees.

Interestingly, Mohamed Elyounoussi, another player out on loan, is expected to return to Southampton from deposed Scottish champions Celtic in the summer and will be given the chance to impress Hasenhuttl.

It’s believed the 53-year-old will use pre-season to take a close look at the Norway international. The fact he’s left-footed, a quality not common throughout the Southampton squad, could work in Elyounoussi’s favour.

This point is worth making as it is not unreasonable to consider him a player who could be sold to raise funds as he still has two years left on his Southampton contract and has scored 16 goals for Celtic this season.

---

The Athletic has been told Southampton are already working on several deals and hope to get at least two of them over the line before the season ends on May 23.

If that proves to be the case, it should stand them in great stead going into a transfer window where other clubs will be exploring the loan market or trying to sign a promising player permanently for relatively small money.

Despite trying to get the bulk of their work done early, you’d expect Ings’ future to dominate the headlines until he either signs a new contract or another club comes in and makes an acceptable offer for his services.

But Southampton will continue going about their business in a quiet and proactive way in the meantime, to ensure they maximise their resources.

We hear this season after season but always do business (panic buy) at end of window .. players always wait for their options unless you’re a nailed on top 6 club 

[hypochondriac]

20 minutes ago, Chris cooper said:

We hear this season after season but always do business (panic buy) at end of window .. players always wait for their options unless you’re a nailed on top 6 club 

Yep. Ings and Bertrand off, I expect we will get a young striker in as a replacement and probably get in a lb then wait till the last minute for a midfielder. I hope we sign a midfielder anyway as that's clearly an area we need to improve. 

[saint1977]

Unless there’s a takeover, and it sounds very unlikely based on that, although the club would have to plan for there not being one even a buyer were in exclusivity, it is likely to be a relegation battle (deep joy) unless the club hit gold with the younger Ings replacement.

Walcott - done reasonably well but 2/3 year deal, really? It won’t take Crocker long to decide whether any academy products being blocked, most of the current crop are Woking/Eastleigh bound. Berty off which is probably the correct decision for all parties. Agree on needing a midfielder but will depend if RH thinks AY ready/signs a new contract. Moi will get 1/2 friendlies and then out on loan again, won’t fit RH’s system, two footed but too sluggish. Going around in circles until Gao sells/relegation. 

[SKD]

1 hour ago, SuperSAINT said:

Southampton’s win over Burnley on Sunday eased their relegation fears and means that they can start focusing on strengthening the squad this summer.

The truth, however, is that plans for the next transfer window have been in the making for quite some time, so Southampton aren’t making any knee-jerk reactions to seemingly securing their Premier League status for another year.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that potential arrivals will now know they are likely to be joining a top-flight team — it’s now a 10-point gap to third-bottom Fulham — which should make negotiations that little bit easier.

One deal Southampton hope to finalise sooner rather than later concerns Theo Walcott.

The experienced forward returned to St Mary’s in October, 14 years after his move to Arsenal, on a season-long loan which will take him to the end of his contract with Everton. This means he will be a free agent in the summer, and The Athletic understands Southampton want to ensure he will be their player for the 2021-22 campaign and beyond.

Those inside the club have been impressed by how well the 32-year-old has settled in and there’s an argument to suggest he has exceeded expectations.

The initial plan was for Walcott to be a key figure coming off the bench and for other players to heed his advice. However, the 47-cap England forward became a regular fixture in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s starting XI up until he sustained an injury against Aston Villa at the end of January. He returned to the side against Burnley and assisted Nathan Redmond’s winner.

Although a deal is yet to be agreed, it’s hoped negotiations will see Walcott extend his stay at the club he made his professional debut for in August 2005. It’s unlikely he’ll be offered a one-year deal, so he could be looking at either two or three years.

The planning for Southampton’s summer transfer window have seen each member of their leadership team playing an important role.

Matt Crocker, the club’s director of football operations, will always have one eye on the pathway for the club’s homegrown talent, essentially asking the question over each potential arrival, “If player X is signed, what does that mean for academy prospect Y?”

In terms of performing the groundwork for scouting and compiling dossiers on potential signings, Martyn Glover plays a fundamental part in the process of identifying and signing targets. His knowledge and sound judgment are praised by sources familiar with his methods.

Martin Semmens, the chief executive, will be involved in the overall plan and negotiations, and Toby Steele, the managing director, has the key, objective role of looking at the finances and saying whether a mooted deal works or not. It should go without saying that no player will be signed without Hasenhuttl’s approval.

As well as trying to wrap up a deal to keep Walcott around, one source suggested to The Athletic there will be a “shake-up” in the squad’s attacking department. This, it’s hoped, will see the club adding a new striker on a permanent deal.

Another source hinted that if a striker is signed, he will be younger than 23 years old, which suits the club’s model of buying talent with potential in the belief they can develop them.

Because of this, The Athletic is led to believe one forward could leave this summer.

Danny Ings is the obvious candidate, given he’s out of contract in 2022 and features on Manchester City’s list of options, although conversations point to either Shane Long or Michael Obafemi departing St Mary’s.

Long joined Championship neighbours Bournemouth on loan on February 2 after falling down the Southampton pecking order and it’s unlikely he’ll see his minutes on the pitch increase if he returns to his parent club — especially as Redmond is now viewed by Hasenhuttl as a striker. The same can also be said for Obafemi, who was close to a Championship loan himself in the winter window, with Swansea City, before a serious knee injury scuppered that move.

While chasing a striker may come as a surprise, the supporters won’t be shocked by the fact Southampton are targeting not one full-back but two. Sources indicate the club are looking to sign a permanent left-back and add another player on loan who can provide cover, although an option to buy would be important in this instance.

Southampton have tried to get Manchester United’s Brandon Williams in the last two windows, and he remains a live option. The 20-year-old can play on either side of the defence and was keen to sign on loan at the start of the season. However, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blocked that move and assured the academy product of game time, something which hasn’t come to fruition throughout a condensed 2020-21 campaign with Williams only make two Premier League appearances, both as a substitute.

The Athletic has also learnt of interest in Liverpool’s Neco Williams. The 19-year-old plays as a right-back but featured at left-back for Wales during the recent international break, and it’s this level of versatility Southampton are keen to explore.

A deal similar to the one that brought Kyle Walker-Peters in from Tottenham Hotspur in January 2020 is seen as the model to follow, in terms of having the option to make a loan move permanent. That is what the club would at least want to have the opportunity to do if they have developed someone else’s player for a season.

Given that Southampton are looking at adding a permanent left-back to the squad, it automatically raises concerns over Ryan Bertrand’s long-term future. The former Chelsea player is out of contract in the summer, when he will turn 32, and is yet to sign a new deal.

Should Bertrand depart, it could be that 21-year-old Jake Vokins, who is gaining experience in League One having joined Sunderland on loan in January, becomes the second-choice left-back next season, backing up whoever the new arrival might be.

It’s too early to say what the future looks like for Yan Valery. Despite an injury crisis earlier this year, Hasenhuttl sanctioned his loan exit to Birmingham City of the Championship on February 1. With the club looking at support for Walker-Peters, the writing could be on the wall for the 22-year-old Frenchman’s time on the south coast.

There are also question marks hanging over central defence.

Jannik Vestergaard has been linked to Spurs in recent weeks and has just over 12 months remaining on his contract, but he will only be sold if it becomes clear he wants out, and a good offer is made. Should that happen, Southampton will be aware of the fact another player will have to be signed to replace him. Chelsea’s Marc Guehi, currently on loan at Swansea, has been mentioned as a player they are interested in. However, that’s as far as it goes at this moment in time.

Jack Stephens’ future is also a topic worth thinking about. The defender signed a long-term contract at the start of the season but has had to settle for a place behind Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek and Mohammed Salisu in the pecking order.

At this moment in time, the expectation is that Stephens and Vestergaard will still be Southampton players next season.

---

As is commonly known about Southampton, they are a club who need to sell players to raise funds — and that won’t be any different this summer.

The MSD Capital loan, which totals £78.8 million, can be used on new signings but maybe isn’t best utilised to fund a summer spending spree.

The hope is that finances will be raised from the likes of Wesley Hoedt and Mario Lemina, currently on loan at Lazio and Fulham respectively, being sold. However, those two will have 12 months remaining on their contract at the end of this season, so it’s unlikely they will command significant fees.

Interestingly, Mohamed Elyounoussi, another player out on loan, is expected to return to Southampton from deposed Scottish champions Celtic in the summer and will be given the chance to impress Hasenhuttl.

It’s believed the 53-year-old will use pre-season to take a close look at the Norway international. The fact he’s left-footed, a quality not common throughout the Southampton squad, could work in Elyounoussi’s favour.

This point is worth making as it is not unreasonable to consider him a player who could be sold to raise funds as he still has two years left on his Southampton contract and has scored 16 goals for Celtic this season.

---

The Athletic has been told Southampton are already working on several deals and hope to get at least two of them over the line before the season ends on May 23.

If that proves to be the case, it should stand them in great stead going into a transfer window where other clubs will be exploring the loan market or trying to sign a promising player permanently for relatively small money.

Despite trying to get the bulk of their work done early, you’d expect Ings’ future to dominate the headlines until he either signs a new contract or another club comes in and makes an acceptable offer for his services.

But Southampton will continue going about their business in a quiet and proactive way in the meantime, to ensure they maximise their resources.

Sounds promising in that they know where we need to strengthen but look a bit deeper it sounds grim. If we’re relying on selling Lemina and Hoedt to raise enough funds for a striker and full back cover, we’re in for a surprise. 

Reality is, we’ll likely have to sell Ings if we want to strengthen and we’ll replace him with a young lad who’s unproven and has ‘potential’.

Im very concerned for next season.  

Edited 6 April, 2021 by SKD

[Matthew Le God]

12 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I hope we sign a midfielder anyway as that's clearly an area we need to improve. 

For the 'number 6' role? Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Diallo and Jankewitz is fine for depth there. Others areas need improvement before adding there.

Edited 6 April, 2021 by Matthew Le God

[Matthew Le God]

1 hour ago, SuperSAINT said:

The Athletic has been told Southampton are already working on several deals and hope to get at least two of them over the line before the season ends on May 23.

 

1 hour ago, skintsaint said:

Believe it when I see it, look forward to the panic last minute loanee on transfer window day.

 

41 minutes ago, Chris cooper said:

We hear this season after season but always do business (panic buy) at end of window .. players always wait for their options unless you’re a nailed on top 6 club 

I'd guess Walcott is one of the two players. So isn't unreasonable to think that deal could be sorted before Walcott heads off for the summer.

[TWar]

10 minutes ago, SKD said:

Sounds promising in that they know where we need to strengthen but look a bit deeper it sounds grim. If we’re relying on selling Lemina and Hoedt to raise enough funds for a striker and full back cover, we’re in for a surprise. 

Reality is, we’ll likely have to sell Ings if we want to strengthen and we’ll replace him with a young lad who’s unproven and has ‘potential’.

Im very concerned for next season.  

It is unlikely we need to sell Lemina and Hoedt to raise transfer money. More likely we need to shift them off the wage bill. Those two are earning £51k and £64k a week so if we shift them we open up £115k a week salary, even if we only get a couple of mil for each.

[SuperSAINT]

Re: the article — is Elyounoussi even left footed? Thought he was right footed?

I wonder if there’s a chance Balogun is still a striker target?

[SKD]

Just now, TWar said:

It is unlikely we need to sell Lemina and Hoedt to raise transfer money. More likely we need to shift them off the wage bill. Those two are earning £51k and £64k a week so if we shift them we open up £115k a week salary, even if we only get a couple of mil for each.

“As is commonly known about Southampton, they are a club who need to sell players to raise funds — and that won’t be any different this summer.

The MSD Capital loan, which totals £78.8 million, can be used on new signings but maybe isn’t best utilised to fund a summer spending spree.

The hope is that finances will be raised from the likes of Wesley Hoedt andMario Lemina, currently on loan at Lazio and Fulham respectively, being sold.”

[Stu Man Do]

Concerning that our striker search is limited by age rather than by ability. If Ings goes we will be up the creek next season. 

Sounds like Bertrand is off as well, think I’d rather keep him than give Theo a 2/3 year deal.

[revolution saint]

51 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

For the 'number 6' role? Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Diallo and Jankewitz is fine for depth there. Others areas need improvement before adding there.

Actually it's not.  Jankewitz is unproven and the fact he hasn't had more than about two minutes in the first team doesn't suggest he is ready for anything more than the bench at the moment.  If Diallo or JWP gets injured in the next game then RH is more likely to use Armstrong in the centre instead of Jankewitz.  What makes you think he is capable?

[Sheaf Saint]

3 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Actually it's not.  Jankewitz is unproven and the fact he hasn't had more than about two minutes in the first team doesn't suggest he is ready for anything more than the bench at the moment.  If Diallo or JWP gets injured in the next game then RH is more likely to use Armstrong in the centre instead of Jankewitz.  What makes you think he is capable?

Apparently he looked decent good against the England U21s last week, so he must be a world-beater.

In all seriousness, he could well be a tidy, capable player. But if RH thought he would fit his system then he would have given him more of a chance so far. He was only thrown in against Utd out of necessity, which suggests Ralph doesn't have much confidence in his ability to do what he wants/needs him to do. So if we can move him on and bring in someone who fits the bill better, it would be a wise move IMO.

[Lighthouse]

Nobody remotely decent is going to come here to be fourth choice CM and we badly need to spend what little money we may have in other areas. Playing Jankewitz if we get two injuries would be no different to playing Obafemi, Tella or N'Lundulu if Ings and Adams were both injured. I really can't see any signings here, unless someone leaves.

[tajjuk]

12 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

Nobody remotely decent is going to come here to be fourth choice CM and we badly need to spend what little money we may have in other areas. Playing Jankewitz if we get two injuries would be no different to playing Obafemi, Tella or N'Lundulu if Ings and Adams were both injured. I really can't see any signings here, unless someone leaves.

Exactly, we have 3 good centre mids and one promising one, we are not in Europe either, so I am not sure why having a promising young player as 4th choice is much of a problem.

Stephens is currently 4th choice centre-back and is probably on £50-60k whilst getting very little game time so we are getting little value from that and the player is probably getting restless. 

If we sign another centre-mid it either displaces one of the current 3 into 4th choice or we sign a player to barely play, and push a promising young player who want opportunities further down the pecking order.

We are not Man Utd or Man City who can afford to have internationals sitting on the bench getting 5 minutes here and there all season. 

[Matthew Le God]

40 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Actually it's not.  Jankewitz is unproven and the fact he hasn't had more than about two minutes in the first team doesn't suggest he is ready for anything more than the bench at the moment.  If Diallo or JWP gets injured in the next game then RH is more likely to use Armstrong in the centre instead of Jankewitz.  What makes you think he is capable?

How many 1st team central midfielders do you want fighting for 2 positions? We have far more pressing concerns than improving on Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Diallo and Jankewitz. Any money we have would be better utilized elsewhere in the squad.

[revolution saint]

3 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

How many 1st team central midfielders do you want fighting for 2 positions? We have far more pressing concerns than improving on Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Diallo and Jankewitz. Any money we have would be better utilized elsewhere in the squad.

Interesting to note you ducked the question about what makes you think Jankewitz is capable because at the moment he's not even fourth choice central midfielder - Armstrong is.  Basically what you're saying is that we can only afford one injury or loss of form at any one time in those central midfield positions.  Somebody mentioned the centre back positions and yet all four of the centre backs have played a decent amount this season (Stephens less so but still substantially more than Jankewitz).  If you want to rely on the fitness and form of Romeu, JWP and Diallo for an entire season then fine but I'd rather not.  Anyway, as I mentioned before, this about whether Jankewitz can be considered decent cover and so far there's no evidence to suggest he can - you may as well mention any midfielder in the academy.

[Danbert]

Quote

you may as well mention any midfielder in the academy

Hardly - he's a decent looking u21 international and only 19. Clearly a standout prospect

[Matthew Le God]

11 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

Anyway, as I mentioned before, this about whether Jankewitz can be considered decent cover and so far there's no evidence to suggest he can - you may as well mention any midfielder in the academy.

That is a bizarre statement. Not all players are equal in the academy, Janketwitz is clearly towards the top of the pecking order, has done well in the under 23s and is impressing as a 19 year old for Switzerland under 21s.

[revolution saint]

27 minutes ago, Matthew Le God said:

That is a bizarre statement. Not all players are equal in the academy, Janketwitz is clearly towards the top of the pecking order, has done well in the under 23s and is impressing as a 19 year old for Switzerland under 21s.

It's not bizarre at all.  Even if he is the best midfield prospect in the Academy it doesn't mean he's good enough to cover the first team.  All you have to go on is a bit of hype from an over active agent and some U23 reports - have you ever seen him play aside from a few YouTube clips?  Every year we get the same old guff about our academy prospects and how they will make it in the first team and it rarely happens.  Couple of years ago I remember getting grief for suggesting Valery wasn't all that - now everyone agrees.  Last year it was how Smallbone would replace Hoijberg and even though he got injured I don't think anyone would seriously consider him in central midfield anymore. 

My point is that Jankewitz could be a decent player (I haven't seen him enough to make a judgement) but equally and more likely is that he won't be good enough - you're the one making a judgement on how good and capable he is without having anything substantial to back that up.  Add in the fact that RH clearly doesn't think he's ready either and your judgement looks dodgy as fuck.

[Toadhall Saint]

We need to sort out LB/RB either cover or replacement- so pivotal to our way of playing. Then look at replacing what (if any) we lose.

[kjurwi]

We are having an severe  lack of Swedes. 

Would like to se us go for Jordan Larsson(Spartak Moskva) or Jesper Karlsson(AZ Alkmaar) both strikers/ wingers.

If Vestergaard leaves go for Filip Helander(Rangers). 

Can't find a Swedish left  or Rightback i want us to buy.

This will fix things😁

[Matthew Le God]

16 minutes ago, revolution saint said:

1) It's not bizarre at all.  Even if he is the best midfield prospect in the Academy it doesn't mean he's good enough to cover the first team. 

2) All you have to go on is a bit of hype from an over active agent and some U23 reports - have you ever seen him play aside from a few YouTube clips? 

1) Yes it is bizarre to say all academy players are interchangeable like you did. Judge them on their own merits.

2) I've watch  entire games of him for our under 23s and I've watched him for Switzerland under 21s.

Edited 6 April, 2021 by Matthew Le God

[saintwbu]

Brandon Williams surely will eventually be our first choice LB, it sounds like we’ve been begging for him for about a year now and we don’t seem to be desperate for Bertrand to extend his contract (which I think is a shame). Vestergaard always felt like one of our most saleable assets because we clearly didn’t expect him to be good this season, we signed Salisu and started the season with Stephens, so it’s been a bonus really and we will probably capitalise on that and be able to get a decent fee for him. 

[Ken Tone]

Walcott is a useful player to have but surely we can't afford the wages he's used to? 

[SuperSAINT]

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brentford-fc-rico-henry-premier-league-southampton-b928044.html 

[SKD]

25 minutes ago, Ken Tone said:

Walcott is a useful player to have but surely we can't afford the wages he's used to? 

You’d have to assume that he’d have to significantly reduce his wage demand. 

I don’t think he’s the greatest player, but clearly a good influence around the club who can still make an impact. Good for younger players, like Tella, to look up to. 

(Assume salary is reduced) On a free, I wouldn’t be aganist us signing him permanently, although more of a back up rather than first choice. 

[Saint86]

 

Looks like theo is staying! 

[Jeremy Corbyn]

21 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brentford-fc-rico-henry-premier-league-southampton-b928044.html 

Would be a good signing, though I'd be surprised if it's not higher than the 12-15 mill in the article.

[Viking Saint]

55 minutes ago, kjurwi said:

We are having an severe  lack of Swedes. 

Would like to se us go for Jordan Larsson(Spartak Moskva) or Jesper Karlsson(AZ Alkmaar) both strikers/ wingers.

If Vestergaard leaves go for Filip Helander(Rangers). 

Can't find a Swedish left  or Rightback i want us to buy.

This will fix things😁

We are probably at an all-time low for Scandinavians anyway. Top five Scandinavian Saints: Killer, Claus, Niemi, Svensson, Østenstad??

[Viking Saint]

8 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

Would be a good signing, though I'd be surprised if it's not higher than the 12-15 mill in the article.

'Despite his injury problems, Henry is a regular standout performer for the Bees'

Sounds like he'd fit in perfectly......

[SuperSAINT]

10 minutes ago, Viking Saint said:

We are probably at an all-time low for Scandinavians anyway. Top five Scandinavian Saints: Killer, Claus, Niemi, Svensson, Østenstad??

Honourable shoutout to Ekelund.

[Turkish]

28 minutes ago, Viking Saint said:

We are probably at an all-time low for Scandinavians anyway. Top five Scandinavian Saints: Killer, Claus, Niemi, Svensson, Østenstad??

Stig Johansen?

vegard Forren?

Edited 6 April, 2021 by Turkish

[Toadhall Saint]

57 minutes ago, SuperSAINT said:

https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/brentford-fc-rico-henry-premier-league-southampton-b928044.html 

He would seem to fit the bill - not seen him play of course but as I say seems to fit the bill.

[Turkish]

1 minute ago, Toadhall Saint said:

He would seem to fit the bill - not seen him play of course but as I say seems to fit the bill.

He’s meant to be very highly rated. Reasonable chance Brentford will come up which will make it harder to get him 

[Toadhall Saint]

3 minutes ago, Turkish said:

He’s meant to be very highly rated. Reasonable chance Brentford will come up which will make it harder to get him 

👍

good club and deserve their day in the sun. He might take a long term view ie up for one season back down the next.

[SuperSAINT]

17 minutes ago, Toadhall Saint said:

He would seem to fit the bill - not seen him play of course but as I say seems to fit the bill.

I remember him being linked with us when he was at Walsall, too.

[The Cat]

17 minutes ago, Turkish said:

Stig Johansen?

vegard Forren?

Jakobsson and Ostlund too.

Ostlund was funny. Scored that goal on his debut then spent the rest of his time at Saints kicking people.

 

[Jeremy Corbyn]

47 minutes ago, Viking Saint said:

'Despite his injury problems, Henry is a regular standout performer for the Bees'

Sounds like he'd fit in perfectly......

Ah, that would explain the relatively modest price.

[JustinSFC]

1 hour ago, Saint86 said:

 

Looks like theo is staying! 

His close ball control is fucking dire but we're better with him than without him.

Him, Walker-Peters & Ings are our game everyone else enable it.

Someone on here said he had no other offers and the deal was £50k a week wages.

[SuperSAINT]

Re: The "No.6" talk.  Interesting to see us linked (Again) with Marco Kana at Anderlecht.

18 years old & a league we know we look at.

[Charlie Wayman]

4 hours ago, Matthew Le God said:

 

 

I'd guess Walcott is one of the two players. So isn't unreasonable to think that deal could be sorted before Walcott heads off for the summer.

Agree and Bertrand the other most likely. Whereas Ings can earn the club a decent transfer fee, Bertie probably can't, we need the sort of money that would pay for an adequate replacement if we sell.

On the other hand Dan Sheldon doesn't come across to me as an insider so all of that guff from The Athletic needs to be taken with huge pinch of salt.

Edited 6 April, 2021 by Charlie Wayman