Incomings
Adam Armstrong, £15m from Blackburn Rovers – 10/10
Having seen Armstrong in action for Saints, fans will be hugely excited about this transfer. The 24-year-old was a constant pest for the opposing defenders, netted his first goal in superb style and looks an ideal replacement for Danny Ings.
Saints certainly had to bide their time before reaching an agreement with Blackburn but the deal suited all parties and was relatively cheap when considering the amount of goals Armstrong could contribute over the coming years.
Tino Livramento, £5m from Chelsea – 10/10
This deal could be bargain of the season from Saints. Livramento is undoubtedly a star of the future in the making and to get him for just £5m could provide a huge profit in the future – although hopefully after some more very solid contributions from the 18-year-old on the pitch.
With a buyback clause said to be close to £40m inserted by Chelsea, Saints are guaranteed a good deal if they go on to develop Livramento fully.
Romain Perraud, £11m from Stade Brest – 8/10
Perraud is a very solid addition for Saints as a direct replacement for Ryan Bertrand and will grow into Premier League football as he plays more games.
He will need to adapt his game having moved from France but this could be another piece of shrewd business from the club when taking into account Perraud’s relative age.
Theo Walcott, free transfer – 8/10
With a lot of youthful talent signed this summer, Saints needed an experienced head and took up the opportunity to sign Walcott after his loan spell at the club in 2020/21.
It remains to be seen how much impact Walcott will have on the field over the course of his two-year contract, but his advice as a graduate from Saints’ Staplewood training campus will have huge value for players in the academy and on the fringes of the first-team.
Dynel Simeu, free transfer – 7/10
Simeu looks a talented defender and could be a first-team player after this season. However, he is expected to remain with the B team for this campaign and is one for the future rather than the present.
Armando Broja, loan from Chelsea – 7/10
Broja is yet to make his first Saints appearance after missing out on Saturday’s matchday squad but could be a great option to have in the striker department.
He is seen as a very promising player by Chelsea and needs his first taste of senior English football to make the next steps in his career.
Thierry Small, signed from Everton – 9/10
Another signing similar to Livramento in being a top young full-back talent. Saints are likely to get him for a minimal fee after compensation is paid and could benefit hugely when he is worth a lot more in the future.
It is still a gamble to have a 17-year-old as a second string option in a Premier League team but Saints also have Kyle Walker-Peters who can fill in as a left-back if needed.
Lyanco, £7m from Torino – 8/10
A name that came from under the radar but the club are clearer confident that he can provide the fourth centre-back option and fill Jannik Vestergaard’s vacant place.
There is still room for the Brazilian to grow with Saints given that he is only 24.