Southampton fans will be hoping that their upcoming home game against Nottingham Forest provides the perfect chance for Russell Martin’s side to secure their first three Premier League points of the season.
The team has likely calmed down after a heated opening match against Newcastle United, where a controversial red card for Newcastle’s Fabian Schar didn’t prevent Eddie Howe’s side from narrowly winning 1-0.
Looking ahead, Southampton’s manager is considering ways to bolster his squad as they prepare for more Premier League fixtures. One player still on their radar is Royal Antwerp’s Mandela Keita.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Keita is expected to leave Antwerp before the transfer window closes. However, Napoli has also shown interest in the 22-year-old, potentially complicating Southampton’s pursuit.
Romano notes that Southampton’s bid for Keita has already been rejected, and it remains to be seen if the club will make another attempt to secure the midfielder’s services.
Keita, who has been compared to Southampton’s Flynn Downes by FBref’s similar players model, could be a valuable addition. Acquiring another player of his caliber would strengthen Southampton’s central midfield and provide competition for current players like Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo.
If Mandela Keita joins Southampton, he’ll be hoping to gain similar admiration as Flynn Downes, who has become a fan favorite after rejoining the club from West Ham United this summer. Downes’ composure under pressure and high pass accuracy (93% in the Championship) were instrumental in Southampton’s success last season, particularly in challenging situations.
| Keita’s FBref numbers (23/24) vs Downes’ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat – per 90 mins | Keita | Downes |
| Pass completion % | 89.4% | 93% |
| Attempted passes | 61.9 | 76.7 |
| Shot-creating actions | 1.69 | 2.33 |
| Tackles | 2.91 | 2.13 |
| Blocks | 1.45 | 1.10 |
| Interceptions | 1.98 | 1.66 |
| Stats by FBref | ||
In addition to his calm and composed play, as demonstrated in the table above, Mandela Keita could bring much-needed grit to Southampton’s midfield. This could be crucial for the team’s survival in the Premier League.
This quality was somewhat lacking from players like Will Smallbone during the match at St James’ Park, where he won only three of seven duels. Southampton struggled in that heated encounter, with the hosts securing a fortunate three points.
Keita is eager for a Premier League move to showcase his skills in a more challenging environment.
Mandela Keita has been described as an “underrated” talent by football scout Jacek Kulig, and his performances often fly under the radar, paralleling Flynn Downes’ role in Southampton’s promotion last season. While Downes might not have been as high-profile as Adam Armstrong and others, his contribution was crucial.
It’s evident that Southampton manager Russell Martin is seeking additional midfield reinforcement. With Oliver Skipp also having been a consideration for the club, Keita now appears to be a key target for strengthening their central midfield.
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