Can Southampton’s transfer window be considered a success?

On Thursday night, the 2017 summer transfer window shut. Southampton only added three players, but kept all of their star talent – including Virgil van Dijk.

It might not have sunk in to most Southampton supporters’ heads, but van Dijk has remained a Saints player beyond the transfer deadline.

What’s more, the club have acquired two big-name players from Italy, as well as the an up-and-coming centre-back from Poland. But can Southampton’s transfer window be considered a success?

At first glance – one would argue that it has been. Oriol Romeu, Ryan Bertrand, Cedric Soares and obviously VVD were all linked with moves to high-profile teams in both England and in Europe. All have stayed.

Jay Rodriguez is arguably the biggest departure from the first-team squad, but as fourth-choice striker he was arguably surplus to requirements at St. Mary’s, as thus he won’t prove a massive loss to the side.

Elsewhere Sam Gallagher, Jordy Clasie and Paulo Gazzaniga all departed with only the latter being permanent, whilst Martin Caceres and Cuco Martina were among those leaving at the end of their contracts.

Therefore, it could be argued that Southampton’s squad is stronger than it was in was at the tail-end of May, with more depth in defence and a lot of the dead-weight shifted.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

However, did Southampton sign enough players? In truth, the only players which will push for first-team spots are Mario Lemina and Wesley Hoedt, who joined from Juventus and Lazio respectively.

Jan Bednarek – who joined for around £6.5 million – is arguably one for the future, having only featured in the Carabao Cup so far for the Saints.

With Southampton keeping hold of Virgil van Dijk and already boasting Steven Davis, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Romeu in midfield, there’s a case that both big-money signings weren’t essential.

Meanwhile the Saints got rid of two strikers without replacement, meaning any injuries or drop in form could leave the side with precious little rotation up front.

What’s more, beyond Sofiane Boufal and Nathan Redmond the Saints lack any natural pace down the wing, despite being linked with the likes of Yann Karamoh and Patrick Roberts for extended periods of time.

Meanwhile Dusan Tadic still has little-to-no competition in the #10 role, with James Ward-Prowse being preferred out on the right to make the most of his superior crossing ability.

Alas, with only one goal scored from open play in four games over the month of August, it comes as a surprise that no attacking players have been brought in.

Verdict

All in all, I think like the fact that Southampton have kept hold of their top talents means this summer HAS to be considered successful. Last season under Claude Puel we might of been so-so but Bertrand, Cedric, Romeu and van Dijk could’ve all stepped up to a top club. The fact that we’ve kept hold of the latter especially means we shouldn’t be complaining.

However, the lack of attacking depth is worrying going into what will still be a long season for the club. Reinforcements in January may be needed.