Russell Martin's advice to Sam Edozie this season

Southampton bolstered their attack with the signings of Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet on a season long loan on the final day of the summer transfer window. The Saints attack had several options thus a few young players were expected to go out on a season long loan move for more playing time this season. One of them is Sam Edozie, who was very close to leaving the Saints to join Rangers on a loan move.

Southampton were ready to send Edozie on loan to the Scottish side, but Rangers didn't complete the move, leaving Edozie with Southampton for this season. Further, Edozie needs to continue his development as a forward and thus, will have to play for the U21 team this season after the move to Rangers didn't happen. Now, manager Russell Martin has expressed his opinion about this situation, saying,

Russell Martin's advice to Sam Edozie this season

"It's a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their priorities in the transfer window.

He'll get to work like everyone else now. Get his head down, work really hard and try and get himself into the squad and into the team."

- Russell Martin

Martin suggested that the best option for Edozie is to continue improving his game with an aim to get first team minutes at Southampton. Currently, Edozie is young and the Saints have several forwards in their squad, thus, Edozie won't feature in the first team despite Russell Martin's side struggling to score more goals in the Premier League. If Edozie becomes a prolific goalscorer for Southampton's U21 team, he can make his Southampton debut as well this season.

Moreover, new signings Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet have also started training with the squad and will play a key role as Southampton will face Manchester United in a massive fixture in the fourth match day of the Premier League after the international break.