Following the aftermath of Spygate, Southampton Chairman Dragan Solak told fans, “I promise you that we'll bring to you at the end of the summer the team that will take you out of your seats and excitement will run high against St Mary's.”
It’s a season where the Saints really must get promoted, or face the consequences of years of overspending on the wrong assets under Sport Republic. If Southampton don’t win promotion, they will face another season in the Championship but without huge Premier League parachute payments.
As the season has got underway, Southampton have started fairly well. Despite their points deduction, they sit on three points and have won seven overall in the first four games. Without their tally hit, they’d sit in third place in the Championship table.
We’ve rated how well the Saints got on in their transfer endeavours, and whether Dragan Solak stuck to his promise of bringing a team that will excite the St Mary’s faithful.
Outgoings
Southampton did well to keep their best players, with Leo Scienza and Caspar Jander staying put despite links elsewhere before and throughout the window.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Shea Charles transferred to the Premier League, making Southampton the bulk of their transfer income with the potential of £60m after add-ons arriving from the pair’s exits.
The main mission for the Saints was to clear the deadwood. But while the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Cameron Archer, Yuki Sugawara and Damion Downs headed out, all four departed on loan. Just Gavin Bazunu was sold - but only for a nominal fee.
Youngsters Jay Robinson, Joshua Quarshie and Nick Oyekunle were all loaned out for development.
Technical director Johannes Spors will be pleased with the club’s outgoings overall, and shaped the squad well for eight new additions.
Incomings
The summer saw an overhaul of the goalkeeping department, with Alex McCarthy and Gavin Bazunu both departing, as Daniel Peretz, George Long and Jamie Jones all returned. Aaron Ramsdale remains at the club despite his huge wages for the Championship.
In defence, 20-year-old centre-back Zach Abbott arrived on loan from Nottingham Forest to replace Taylor Harwood-Bellis, while former Augsburg captain Keven Schlotterbeck entered the fold as a left centre-back.
In midfield, the return of the messiah James Ward-Prowse dominated headlines - and looks a brilliant pickup for just £800k from West Ham United. Lewis Dobbin came in to support Finn Azaz, but has not hit the ground running just yet despite a great pre-season.
Following Scotsman Ross Stewart’s free transfer exit, the Saints needed another striker. Divin Mubama looks a promising loan from Manchester City; a similar profile to Cyle Larin.
Overall, Southampton’s squad looks well-equipped for a season chasing promotion in the Championship. While the overall star quality may have decreased, the Saints have two very capable options in every position.
Last season they struggled to find their best team until as late as February. This campaign, they already have a good idea of that. It’s one great chance to put the wrongs of the end of last season right and will certainly be a team that will get fans excited.
Overall Rating: 7/10
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