Did Southampton made a mistake re-signing loan star

The previous 2023/24 season was a highly successful season for Southampton, with the Saints achieving promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt itself. This achievement was a collective effort of several first team as well as on-loan stars and the club decided to reward their top loan stars with a permanent transfer move in the summer transfer window. Therefore, players such as Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Ryan Fraser were permanently signed by the Saints as they prepared for their return to the Premier League.

While Southampton spent nearly £35 combined transfer fee on the trio, the latter was brought on a free transfer from Newcastle United. Due to a lack of playing time in his first three seasons at the Magpies, Fraser agreed a season long loan move to join Russell Martin's side in the Championship. Although Fraser didn't possess blistering pace on the left wing, the 30-year-old exceeded expectations and scored eight goals for the Saints including important last-minute winners against Milwall and Hull City.

Did Southampton made a mistake re-signing loan star

Moreover Fraser has a wealth of Premier League experience playing for the likes of Newcastle United and Bournemouth in the English top flight. Hence, re-signing Fraser on a free transfer seemed a smart decision but his performances similar to other forwards, haven't been convincing at the beginning of the new season. The 30-year-old left-winger has made four appearances for Russell Martin's side but hasn't contributed in creating much goalscoring chances despite winning a lot of ball possession.

Apart from his struggles with pace, Fraser hasn't linked well with Cameron Archer and Tyler Dibling in the build up play, leading to his shortcomings in the final third while going forward. Hence, it poses the question that whether Southampton made a mistake re-signing loan star Ryan Fraser on a free transfer. While Fraser had a decent seven year stay at Bournemouth, the Scotland international couldn't become a regular starter at Newcastle United and managed to score only twice for the Magpies in the Premier League.

While the former Bournemouth star isn't one of the most consistent forwards in the Premier League, his work ethic and substitute cameos still make him a good squad option for Southampton. Hence, it remains to be seen whether manager Russell Martin finds a good balance in the attack to bring Fraser as a second half substitute to inspire the Saints to a few important league wins in the Premier League.