Southampton: Hasenhuttl hints on Walcott and other summer transfers

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has provided a hint that this summer’s transfer window will be a very active one for the club as they prepare for another season of Premier League football.

Rumours about potential incomings and outgoings have already started to fly about, and the Saints boss is sure that he will have a more rounded squad when things kick off in 2021/22.

Speaking about Theo Walcott’s situation and other potential moves, he said:

"“We are in negotiations with his agent and with him. I’m sure, not only with this player (Walcott), that we will have next season a very balanced and mentally strong side.”"

Walcott just one part of Southampton’s rumoured transfer business

Ralph Hasenhuttl has spoken recently about how he and those at the club realise that they need to bulk up their squad to reduce the effect of injuries next year and it appears that this is what they are going to try and do.

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

Via an informative piece from the Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, Walcott will not be the only piece of business this summer.

Sheldon confirms that a striker is being looked at, with a players younger than 23 targeted to ensure long-term potential. One striker could, therefore, leave to free up space, with rumours about Danny Ings’ future and the likes of Shane Long and Michael Obafemi well down the pecking order.

Full-back positions are also mentioned in the piece, with a permanent signing and a loan deal being pursued before 2021/22.

Another report from the Evening Standard’s Jack Rosser names Brentford left-back Rico Henry as a target, and this will undoubtedly lead to questions about Ryan Bertrand’s future with Saints with his contract situation unresolved.

For Saints to be able to challenge consistently in the top-half of the Premier League next season, changes have to be made. Financial assurances like yesterday’s announcement about the sponsorship deal with Sportsbet.io will only help further.

Sales will need to be made to finance moves but those at the club will know what needs to be done, and these reports help to show that plans are being put into place already.