Full 11 of the best players linked to Southampton this summer
By Marc Walker
Southampton have kicked off their summer transfer business with the signings of Theo Walcott and Romain Perraud on permanent deals.
Six players have departed the club on permanent or loan deals to free up space and funds, whilst rumours of more action swirl on in the media.
Deals for Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams and Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong are being pursued, although tense negotiations look to be continuing in both circumstances.
With this in mind, here is an 11 of some of the best players that have been linked with a move to St Mary’s this summer:
Goalkeeper: Thomas Strakosha, Lazio
Strakosha was linked to Saints by La Repubblica (via Sports Witness) amid an ongoing contract saga at Lazio.
The Albanian is regarded as a strong talent with 140 Serie A appearances under his belt and could look for a solution to his situation this summer if a notable offer is made for his services.
Read Saints Marching’s original report on this transfer link here.
Right-Back: Brandon Williams, Manchester United
After being heavily linked with Saints back in January, Williams is reportedly a target once again. The most recent update from the Athletic suggests that Saints are trying to drive down the £2m loan fee United want to secure his services for a season.
First-team football would surely benefit Williams in 2021/22 and Saints would be able to offer that. Another full-back is needed by Ralph Hasenhuttl with just Kyle Walker-Peters, Romain Perraud and out-of-favour Yan Valery to choose from right now.
Read Saints Marching’s most recent report on this link here.
Centre-Back: Boubakar Kouyate, Metz
According to a report from L’Equipe (via Pink Un), Norwich and Saints are battling it out to sign Kouyate from French Ligue 1 side Metz.
The 24-year-old can also play at right-back and as a defensive-midfielder but played most of his football for Metz as a centre-back last season, leading to the two Premier League sides marking him down as a target. Roma and Atalanta are also said to be monitoring his progress.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Centre-Back: William Saliba, Arsenal
A recent report from Foot Mercato mentioned that Saints had joined a host of clubs across Europe in looking to sign Saliba on loan for the 2021/22 campaign.
OGC Nice, Rennes, Lille, Newcastle, Saints and Bayer Leverkusen were all reportedly in the mix, but the race has been won by Marseille after they confirmed the deal last week.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Left-Back: Rico Henry, Brentford
The Evening Standard confirmed that Saints were interested in Brentford full-back Henry after his impressive displays for the Bees in the Championship.
£12-15m was quoted as the the price range that that could sign Henry this summer, but Brentford’s subsequent promotion to the Premier League may have caused problems for any side with the 24-year-old on their radar.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Central-Midfielder: Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Arsenal
A report from the Mirror suggested that Saints were battling with Watford to sign Maitland-Niles from Arsenal during this off-season after missing out on him in January.
The 23-year-old looks to be a Ralph Hasenhuttl kind of player given his ability to play multiple positions in defence, midfield and even attack and it remains to be seen whether Saints will try a loan offer again.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
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
Central-Midfielder: Yangel Herrera, Manchester City
A dynamic and physical midfielder capable of picking a pass, Herrera was linked to Saints and West Ham by GOAL.com back in April.
The 23-year-old impressed in a two-year loan with Granada and gained some valuable top-flight experience with them. It is unknown whether Manchester City will keep him for the upcoming season.
Saints may not actively try to add to their midfield this summer but Herrera would certainly add something new to their central options.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Number 10: Adnan Januzaj, Real Sociedad
According to a report from Fichajes in Spain, Saints and Brighton are tracking Januzaj’s situation at Real Sociedad. The Belgium international has just one year remaining on his current deal.
Saints will surely be looking to add to their attack this summer and Januzaj’s past Premier League spell suggests he could add some creativity to them. However, he has not exactly set the world alight in Spain.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Number 10: Ryan Christie, Celtic
The Scottish Sun suggested that Christie might be the next Saints buy from Celtic after their previous recruitment successes from Glasgow.
The referenced report explained how Saints were going to watch the 26-year-old’s displays for Scotland at Euro 2020. Although he and his international teammates were unable to have much of an impact on the tournament, his ability to play in attacking-midfield and use his excellent left-foot could see him prove to be a good purchase.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Striker: Adam Armstrong, Blackburn Rovers
Saints’ pursuit of Armstrong has been well-documented this summer and the Daily Mail provided the most recent update when they reported that an improved offer of £10m plus players was offered to Blackburn.
Given the level of their interest, it is highly-likely that Armstrong will be a Saints player by the end of this transfer window – both clubs may need to meet in the middle of their ideals to strike a deal.
Having had a superb 29-goal season last time around, Armstrong looks ready to test himself in the Premier League.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Striker: Randal Kolo Muani, Nantes
Back in April, Foot Mercato confirmed that Saints had been one of the first clubs to contact the entourage of Kolo Muani after his bright season for struggling Nantes.
Eintracht Frankfurt had reportedly moved ahead of other clubs in the race to sign the young Frenchman but a fresh report from L’Equipe (via Get French Football News) suggests that Nantes will report the German club over their approach to a potential deal.
Kolo Muani is away with a young France squad at the Olympics right now and his participation in Tokyo will see him miss the whole of pre-season.
Read Saints Marching’s report on this link here.
Next. Saints take promising Scottish midfielder without club on trial. dark