Ralph Hasenhuttl suggests how many more signings Southampton want

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that the club are looking to sign at least three more players this summer as they look to add squad depth.

Saints have already done 11 pieces of business in this transfer window. Eight players have departed the club on loan or permanent deals but only three signings have arrived so far in the form of Theo Walcott, Romain Perraud and Dynel Simeu.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Adam Blackmore after his side’s 4-0 friendly win over Cardiff City yesterday evening, Hasenhuttl said:

"“We will definitely get a few more in – in the full-back positions and also maybe a 6 (central-midfielder) and a centre-back. The market is getting a little bit hotter, we have our fingers in the market but we have to wait until the right moment comes.”"

Southampton are right to bide their time in this market

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There is actually very little going on in the transfer market right now. Yes, some deals by the bigger clubs might dominate the headlines but things are really yet to open up.

As we push towards the start of the 2021/22 season, clubs will start to become clearer on which players will be part of their plans and which ones will not. This is where Saints could snatch the targets they want as bargains or potential loanees become available.

It is certainly intriguing to hear Hasenhuttl talk about where he wants to add new players.

Full-backs have always been needed this summer, but a central-midfielder and a centre-back look to have been added to the list. Saints have some good options in both positions but could certainly be short of options should a couple get injured.

Hasenhuttl did not mention a potential striker signing even though Adam Armstrong has been linked throughout this off-season, and if the club are confident of keeping Danny Ings then perhaps what Saints have (Ings, Adams, Tella, Obafemi, Long) will be enough. The right attacking player will surely still be on the club’s mind though.

What will be pleasing to Hasenhuttl is the way that some players are pushing themselves into his plans. The likes of Yan Valery, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Michael Obafemi put in bright displays against Cardiff and may well be earning themselves a chance.