Southampton: Analysing a quick flurry of transfer rumours

Over the past day or so, Southampton have been linked with signing as many as five players in the upcoming January transfer window.

With freshly-lined pockets following the sale of Virgil van Dijk for as much as £75 million, it’s no surprise to see the Saints linked with an array of talent ahead of the new year.

Under-fire Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino has made it clear that the side need reinforcement in January, with relegation a very realistic possibility after a lackluster first half a season under the Argentine. But who are the players that the Saints have been credited with an interest in?

Theo Walcott

The rumours just won’t die down. The Saints could do with an experienced attacker and Walcott will want first-team football now he’s in his prime. Everton and West Ham have been linked with an interest but the opportunity to re-join the club that first brought him into the professional game would surely be more enticing.

Walcott is direct, pacey, and despite his injury-blighted past, he’s a proven goalscorer in the Premier League. The Saints need that.

The report suggests that Southampton are willing to pay the entirety of his £140,000 Arsenal wages – this would make him the club’s highest earner. But for guaranteed goals and perhaps guaranteed survival, would it be worth it?

Alfie Mawson

The same report which linked the Saints with the Arsenal winger have also credited the club with interest in Swansea’s highly-rated Alfie Mawson.

The Welsh side are rock bottom of the Premier League but despite this the centre-back has enjoyed another decent campaign, and could be a solid addition to the Saints’ back-line.

Southampton don’t need to splurge but a new defender is needed to replace Van Dijk and Mawson would offer good competition to both Wesley Hoedt and Maya Yoshida. If a deal for around £10 could be struck for Mawson, then the Saints should jump at it.

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – AUGUST 27: Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Fulham at Ewood park on August 27, 2016 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

Ryan Sessegnon

Despite being previously linked with top teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, a report emerged last night the Saints are long-term admirers of the teenage winger/full-back.

Despite being just 17, Sessegnon is an appearance away from half a century in the league for Fulham, adding an impressive ten goals already too.

Ryan Bertrand has looked disinterested this season and with Van Dijk having already left, the English international may also follow through the door. Sessegnon is similar in many ways to the 28-year-old and whilst a £15-20 million investment is steep for a player so young, the Fulham man is mature beyond his age.

Daniel Sturridge

The second injury-prone Englishman on this list, a loan deal for Daniel Sturridge is discussed within the same report as the Sessegnon one.

Sturridge has had to play the dreaded role of third-choice striker so far this campaign, with Roberto Firmino and the young Dom Solanke getting the nod ahead of the 28-year-old.

Much like Walcott, Sturridge would come with the same risk and rewards – his proven goal-scoring record in the league could make him a useful asset to Pellegrino.

However, you’d imagine if there was any light to this deal, it would’ve been included within VVD’s transfer going the other way.

Moussa Dembele

Also mentioned in the Mirror article that included Mawson and Walcott, the Saints are reportedly among the many suitors interested in the young French forward.

Having previously been linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, Dembele’s most recent destinations include fellow Premier League side Brighton.

The 21-year-old has been slightly less prolific this season compared to the one before, with just eight goals in 20 games. Despite this, he is still rated highly by scouts and the Saints are among those willing to pay £18 million for his signature.

In comparison to the Saints’ other forwards, it remains unclear what Dembele would offer that’s any different to what the club already has. However, with Shane Long and Gabbiadini misfiring and Austin injured, it might be the right move.