Southampton: Two potential winger options join PL rivals

This evening two potential options in Southampton’s pursuit of a new winger have joined two respective Premier League rivals in Fulham and Brighton.

Both the Cottagers and the Seagulls have made serious statements of intent with the two arrivals, with Andre Schurrle joining from German giants Borussia Dortmund whilst Alireza Jahanbakhsh arrives at the latter for a record £17 million fee.

Neither of the two players were ever officially linked with the Saints, but fans had earmarked the duo has potential options after the club loaned out Sofiane Boufal to Spanish side Celta Vigo. It was reported last week that Schurrle was set to join an unnamed English side from Dortmund, and whilst Southampton seemed an unlikely destination, his versatility could’ve added something to the side.

Meanwhile the Iranian Jahanbakhsh seemed like the perfect addition down the right, and I personally listed him as an alternative to Quincy Promes around two months ago.

However the 24-year-old, who led the Eredivisie in scoring last season, has joined Brighton to add some serious pace and intensity down their right wing.

Whilst the Saints have already recruited Mohamed Elyounoussi from Basel this summer, they have seen both Boufal and Dusan Tadic depart the club, meaning fresh creativity is needed behind the striker before August’s deadline.

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

Southampton previously signed four players in less than three weeks at the start of July, but since Jannik Vestergaard’s arrival from Borussia Monchengladbach, hardly any concrete rumours have surfaced.

As previously stated, neither Jahanbakhsh nor Schurrle were ever properly linked with the Saints, but their deals with Fulham and Brighton mean two less wingers are available on the market for the club to sign.

Whilst the latter has struggled since a big money move to BVB, he was impressive as an impact sub during his 18 months with Chelsea, whilst Jahanbakhsh’s 21 league goals last season could’ve gone some way to helping the Saints become a free-scoring side once again.

Southampton will also need to press on with their business in signing a new striker too, although it seems like we’re going to be forced to wait until Sam Gallagher’s future is decided before any official approaches are made for another physical forward.

Nonetheless, supporters will be greatly disappointed if the Saints don’t make two more signings to fill the aforementioned roles, although only time will tell whether they will or won’t.