Predicting Southampton’s Summer Transfer Plans Ahead of Their Premier League Return
As the celebrations quieted down, Southampton immediately began strategizing for their Premier League comeback.
A decisive goal by former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong secured their victory over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final, ensuring that the Saints’ time in the second tier was limited to just one season. Now, the focus shifts to Russell Martin and his efforts to solidify the club’s status in England’s top league.
Key decisions loom regarding players like Che Adams and Alex McCarthy, whose contracts at St Mary’s are nearing their end. Additionally, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Lyanco, and Duje Caleta-Car are set to return from their loan spells over the summer. The team will also need new signings to enhance the squad’s quality and depth for the challenges of the Premier League.
So, what can be expected? At 3AddedMinutes, we couldn’t wait to see how things might unfold, so we turned to Football Manager 2024 to predict Southampton’s summer transfer market activities.
**Goalkeepers**
There are minimal changes in the goalkeeping lineup. Gavin Bazunu’s return to fitness sees the Republic of Ireland international reclaiming his position as Martin’s primary goalkeeper. Consequently, Alex McCarthy’s tenure with the Saints concludes as he departs for Everton on a free transfer. Joe Lumley and Mateusz Lis will serve as Bazunu’s backups, providing support and competition.
Martin’s goalkeeping options: Joe Lumley, Gavin Bazanu, Mateusz Lis.
Defenders
Now there are changes here and the main one is the addition of three new defenders at a cost of £25m. Firstly, there is a £3m swoop for Roma full-back Rick Karsdorp before Martin strengthens the left-hand side of his defence with a £7m deal for Borussia Dortmund youngster Tom Rothe.
But the biggest defensive deal is completed when Wout Faes is secured in a £15m move from fellow Premier League newcomers Leicester City. Armel Bella-Kotchap and Lyanco both return from loans to reclaim a place in the Saints squad – but there are departures for Duje Caleta-Car (£3m Lyon), Juan Larios (Brentford £7m), Romain Perraud (£1m Espanyol) and James Bree (£3m Luton Town).
Martin’s defensive options: Lyanco, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Jan Bednarek, Wout Faes, Kyle Walker-Peters, Tom Rothe, Rick Karsdorp.
Midfielders
Firstly, there are just two midfield departures as Joe Aribo heads to Italy to join Genoa in a £4m deal and Stuart Armstrong is released. His replacement is Real Mallorca’s Sergi Darder, who agrees to a £16m move to St. Mary’s. There are two other new additions in the middle of the pitch as Josh DaSilva joins in a £5m deal from Brentford and Alex Kral is secured on a free transfer after the Czech international left CSKA Moscow.
Martin’s midfield options: Alex Kral, Josh DaSilva, Sergi Darder, Shea Charles, Will Smallbone.
Forwards
Now, where to start here? Firstly, it’s safe to say Martin will not be short of options at the top end of the pitch. Paul Onuachu has departed on a permanent transfer after Italian club Cagliari agreed to pay £3.5m for the frontman.
There is also a loan departure for Ross Stewart as he heads to Celtic on a season-long loan that could become a £5m permanent move next summer and Che Adams leaves on a free transfer and is still without a club.
However, there are still plenty of options for the Saints boss as he brings in Gabriel Sara (£22m Norwich City), Alexander Aravena (£3m Univ Catolica), Fedde de Jong (£2.5m Cambuur), Hugo Ekitike (£5m Eintracht Frankfurt) and Franck Surdez (£2m from AA Gent). Carlos Alcaraz also returns to the Saints squad after a long spell with Serie A giants Juventus.
Martin’s forward options: Gabriel Sara, Sam Edozie, Fedde de Jong, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Franck Surdez, Adam Armstrong, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Aravena, Sekou Mara, Carlos Alcarez.
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