Southampton: Saints Marching assesses the January transfer window

Q3) If there was one player that Saints could bring in, who would you want it to be?

Alastair Case

With the imminent departure of Cedric and the likely move for Austin, I would suggest that we will lacking depth at right back and up front respectively. Jayden Bogle looks a real talent at Derby County and despite his youth, could fit into the team from the outset. Although Valery has shown some promise, he is impetuous and needs developing, so Bogle would offer some welcome competition. With the plethora of options at centre back, left back and central midfield, Hassenhuttl will be happy with the existing set up in those areas.

I would love to bring a tall striker in, who can hold up the ball and would pose an aerial threat, as it is an aspect of Saints’ game which has been absent for some time. Although some might argue it would not suit Hasenhuttl’s modus operandi of the high press, it is important in the Premier League to have a different option, especially with James Ward-Prowse’s recent elevation back into the first team. Options such as Seb Haller and Nicolai Jorgensen could make a real impact. Finally, I would love to see a fast, goal scoring midfielder such as Quincy Promes or Pione Sisto added to the squad.

Joe McIndoe

If Lionel Messi is available, I’m sure the club would greatly appreciate his services. Although I suspect there might have to be a degree of negotiation in regard to his wage packet.

In all seriousness though, Southampton are in vital need of reinforcement at the other end of the pitch.

As I alluded to in my previous answer, backline players have approached that task with fresh vim and vigour and focus under the new gaffer. Bednarek has taken charge at the back and has made the difference in difficult situations. His colleagues have certainly improved but they have also proven to make some pretty big mistakes too.

If Jan was to be injured for a significant amount of time the Centre Back position would be left in the hands of, Maya Yoshida, Jannik Vestergaard, and Jack Stevens. While the latter has been a consistent performer when called upon, the other two have been known to either give up too much space (Vestergaard) or make silly mistakes (Yoshida).

Southampton need to bring in Premier League know how to ensure stability.

If Saints feel like splashing the cash, they could also do with strengthening at Right Back following Cédric’s departure and upfront given Charlie’s possible exit. Let’s be honest though that isn’t very likely is it?

Ryan Borowski

It seems a bit out of the question now but I would have loved to seen the Saints bring in MLS star Josef Martinez. The man is electric and is a proven goal scorer, just what we the South Coast needs. He recently signed a new contract for Atlanta United so they crushed my hopes of Southampton signing him.

So likely no Martinez for us but I would still like to see a speedy goal scorer be brought in. We still lack pace in the squad and that is an area I would like to see us strengthen.

Harry Tizard

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, I would love to see Southampton to bring in another fast winger to play on the opposite side of Redmond. Southampton need to be able to have a player like Nathan on both wings that can counter attack with speed due to their pace, but also have the confidence to take on defenders and excite the crowd. If we are talking specifics, the Saints should take a punt on Everton winger Yannik Bolasie.

Unwanted by Marco Silva and a target for a host of Premiership clubs, Bolasie will have so much hunger to show he is still as capable as he once was prior to his injury, and would slot in on the opposite flank to Nathan Redmond. One downside is that his wage demands are quite extortionate, but a loan deal for the former Crystal Palace man would be more than feasible, with an option to buy at the end of the season if he impresses.

Marc Walker

I was hugely excited by the links to Ademola Lookman during this window because he is a player of considerable talent who showed his ability under Hasenhuttl at Leipzig last season.

That move looks unlikely now though with the forward now a regular starter for Marco Silva at Everton. It is a shame, because his pace and trickery could have been the perfect accompaniment for Danny Ings and Nathan Redmond.

More recently, it has been reported that Saints have made an offer for Che Adams at Birmingham City; another player of considerable potential who could develop into a great goalscorer in the Premier League. With one £8m offer turned down for the man who has 14 goals in the Championship this season, it remains to be seen whether the club will try again this month.

Overall, it seems like major transfer moves by Saints will be left until the summer when the squad can be fully assessed. Adams could be one of those and he’d certainly have the time and room to grow at St Mary’s.