Saints' Tyler Dibling replacement search further extends with the club's right-wing target, Michel-Ange Balikwisha, putting pen to paper on his long-held Celtic interest for £5m.
Recently, Saints fans heard of Yukinari Sugawara's departure, and they all would have googled the club's squad list in harmony. And rightly so, as the Saints board has been making the supporters' ever-long summer wish true now, by departing players like clearing out last season’s kits.
Well, and for the fans, who, until the last transfer window, vowed to cut off the necessary layers of their squad, now stress over the lack of backups.
Given the departure of Sugawara, Southampton get back to square one in their right-back options, with the only name being new signing Mads Roerslev. Yet the cruelty is that this right flank issue just worsens forward.
Having collected a hefty paycheck for their find of the last season, Tyler Dibling, Southampton, already faced vulnerability upfront. And on top of that, has been the Saints' fortune that just robbed them of another replacement.
If you remember, addressing the first wave of Dibling's August rumours, Saints had begun planning to swoop on heavily Celtic-linked Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha. Needless to say, the club followed languidly, and the result is the completion of Balikwisha's Scottish move.
Saints urgently need a top-notch pursuit to end summer positively
Recently, journalist Antony Joseph confirmed the agreed details, quoting, "Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is due to arrive in the UK this week to undergo a medical with Celtic. Deal worth up to £5m has been agreed by clubs & he's verbally agreed terms."
Interesting, isn't it, how the tables have turned so quickly. Remember laughing at Everton for their Jack Grealish pursuit? And now they are the ones having the final laugh, seeing Southampton go from employing excessive wingers to now relying on a squad that's got no one naturally equipped up for the right flank.
Now, truth be told, it wouldn't be too surprising if Southampton signed as well as presented a winger tomorrow only. The worry is whether the Saints' race against time will let them pick the right candidate.
Well, having pulled off Aaron Ramsdale on deadline day last year, hopes are still alive for a clutch, successful recruit. Hoping it happens that way for the Saints side that's at rock bottom in confidence, currently.