Southampton needed to sign another forward in the final week of the summer transfer window to provide more goalscoring options in their attack alongside Ben Brereton Diaz and Paul Onuachu. On the final day of the summer transfer window, Southampton signed former player Ryan Fraser from Newcastle United as well as West Ham forward Maxwel Cornet. Thus, it was a surprise that the Saints signed two experienced centre forwards rather than bringing in a young striker to complete their front three.
Ryan Fraser played for Southampton last season on a season long loan transfer from Newcastle United, and scored eight goals and provided three assists in 44 appearances for the club. The experienced forward was a key player for Russell Martin's side last season, who gained promotion to the Premier League through Championship playoffs. Thus, signing him is a wise decision by Southampton to add his Premier League experience to their squad who are aiming to avoid relegation in this league season.
Manager Russell Martin explains why the Saints signed Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet
On the other hand, Maxwel Cornet has struggled for playing time at West Ham in his two years at the club, after a brilliant debut Premier League season at Burnley in the 2021/22 season. Speaking about their signings, manager Russell Martin said,
"They give us moments that can change a game. They give us flexibility as well on the top line, which will be really nice. They're going to be really, really important players for us. We will work with the squad in the best way we can. We have a big squad"Russell Martin
Thus, Fraser and Cornet are added to the squad to provide more competition and squad depth to the attack which has scored only one goal this season in three matches. Fraser and Cornet are expected to feature for the Saints in their upcoming matches after the international break. Meanwhile, manager Russell Martin needs to find a great tactical setup for the Saints to get a winning momentum and take more points in the Premier League.