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Southampton: Saints Marching’s summer transfer window roundtable – Alastair Case

By Alastair Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Che Adams of Southampton battles for the ball with Rafael Czichos of 1.FC Koln during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and FC Koln at St. Mary's Stadium on August 03, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Che Adams of Southampton battles for the ball with Rafael Czichos of 1.FC Koln during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Southampton and FC Koln at St. Mary's Stadium on August 03, 2019 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 12: General view outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Huddersfield Town at St Mary’s Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images) /

The summer transfer window closes for English clubs at 5pm on Thursday evening, and it remains to be seen whether Southampton will get any late business done.

Che Adams, Moussa Djenepo and Danny Ings (loan made permanent) have arrived so far but a defender would also be needed if an ideal player became available.

This would be dependent on Saints shifting some fringe players out and freeing up space in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad before the deadline.

As the clock ticks down for club’s looking to do last-minute deals, Saints Marching will be rolling out articles from our contributors on Saints’ window so far.

Below are the thoughts of our man, Alastair Case!

Q1) Saints fans are clearly wanting an extra defender to be brought in before 5pm on Thursday. Is that the only area that the squad needs strengthening in your eyes?

It will ultimately depend on how much faith Hasenhuttl has in PEH, Ward-Prowse, Romeu and Reed as his central midfielders. If he is happy with those options, then yes, just the defence that needs strengthening from my perspective. If not, I’d make a move for Victor Wanyama.

Saying that, I wouldn’t mind a tall centre forward coming in (Bas Dost would be as amazing as he would be unrealistic) but I accept that this probably wouldn’t suit Hasenhuttl’s Modus Operandi. If Cedric stays, then him and Valery will provide suitable competition for each other. Likewise, Bertrand and Vokins should be sufficient at left back.

Although Stephens has worked hard for the common cause and seems like a decent guy to have around the changing rooms, my concern is that he is not good enough to be nailing down a first team place. Yoshida would be an ideal back up but if I was brutally honest, I am not sure he would be in my starting eleven.

If Hasenhuttl intends to persevere with a central defensive trio, then I would like to see a commanding centre back brought in, especially one who can offer the direction which Vestergaard and Bednarek require. On the other hand, if he wishes to play with two at the back, then Bednarek and Vestergaard may just suffice.