Southampton CEO Phil Parsons revealed to the Daily Echo back in September of 2023 that the club had to be very strategic with its summer transfers as the club had financial constraints due to potential issues with financial fair play regulations.
It is unlikely to be a busy January transfer window for the Saints, but it is likely those constraints still exist, barring unforeseen sales of players such as Kyle Walker-Peters. While Southampton, under Russell Martin, has found spurts of multi-goal matches, by most supporters, the attack is still an area that could use some extra help. Kamaldeen Sulemana is injured and has yet to find form, while Samuel Edozie's injury will keep him out until February. Questions must also be asked about the future of Che Adams, whose contract expires this summer.
One area in particular that has seen Southampton be linked to multiple players that fit the bill is the right-wing. Bournemouth's David Brooks has been linked to the Saints as the Welsh winger searches for more game time, with just two starts in 19 Premier League games this season for the Cherries.
Another name, and one that can likely now be crossed off the list, is Burnley's, Manuel Benson. The Belgian winger, who scored 12 goals in the Championship during the Clarets' title campaign has been made an outcast by manager Vincent Kompany at the Premier League level. Andy Jones of The Athletic had reported that Southampton was among the clubs interested in the player. Still, relations between the Saints and Burnley have turned for the worse after last summer's transfer fiasco over Nathan Tella.
In what could be a nail in the coffin of Southampton's hopes to sign Manuel Benson, Hull City manager Liam Rosenior revealed to BBC Sport earlier this week that the Tigers are close to an 'exciting transfer,' with many supporters expecting that player to Benson, who has also been linked to Hull via The Athletic. Manuel Benson was unsurprisingly left out of Burnley's FA Cup squad in their fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, Jan. 5.
It isn't over until it's over, but it is likely now time for Southampton to move on to other targets as the club looks to solidify its forward line in the January transfer window amid a historic run of play.