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Southampton showing strength in transfer market despite van Dijk saga

By Christian Bird

ROME, ITALY - MAY 14: Mario Lemina of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images )
ROME, ITALY - MAY 14: Mario Lemina of Juventus FC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2017 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images ) /
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During the  Virgil van Dijk saga, which stretches back beyond the opening of the window, Southampton has shown signs of optimism by bringing in two scouted targets.

There is still time to sign more, however, the manager will have limited funds, as the completion of van Dijk’s move is expected to drag on right until deadline week.

Mario Lemina, the £18.1 million signing from Juventus completed midweek, is the second player bought by Mauricio Pellegrino. Club legend Matt Le Tissier disregarded the player’s switch implying that he could be next on Liverpool’s watchlist.

His humour expressed relates to the pressure placed upon Virgil van Dijk over a switch to Anfield, and also their previous history buying talent from Southampton.

It bids the question is there anything to get excited about? Lemina has featured for both France in their under-21 squad and Gabon, holding dual nationality. His transfer value has continued to grow since starting off in France at Lorient before sealing a move to Olympique Marseille.

NORWICH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND – JANUARY 07: Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /

He played 29 times for Turin giants Juventus, finding the net on three occasions, even though he was preferred in defensive midfield. Still, unless the player settles in England like Manolo Gabbiadini did last season, he is going to have his critics. Lemina insists he aims to get off to a good start, as Chris Hughes reported.

The other player to join up with Pellegrino’s squad is Polish international Jan Bednarek, a centre-back who formerly lined up for Lech Poznan.

The young man featured 27 times in the first team scoring just the once, however, his performances helped the club finish a respectable third position in the league and is highly regarded as one of their best player’s last season. He will have big boots to fill though if Virgil van Dijk switches clubs.

Now a part of Southampton’s plans at the age of 21, he has a bright future in England and is already an established international at under-21 level for his native Poland. He is likely to progress into the full squad in the coming months, especially if he can display his top form for his new club.

Next: Patrick Roberts still linked with Southampton

Moving Forwards

Southampton can draw comfort from the fact that they are by no means the lowest spenders in the league, with several clubs including Spurs having not signed a single player.

Holding onto the core of Southampton’s successful team from the last term is key to 2017/2018, but perhaps there are still a couple surprise signings in store. If so, there could be life left after van Dijk.