Southampton are relying on time a little too much. They cannot be too patient, especially with other big clubs seeking the same manager candidates.
Before the 2025/26 Championship season commences, Southampton have a big task on their hands, they must hire a new manager with the capabilities of bringing the Saints straight back up to the Premier League.
While it might seem ambitious to achieve immediate promotion back to the Premier League, it should be a minimum requirement for the Saints. They'll have money to spend, even after the obvious limitations prohibit any club from spending 100%, or even most of their revenue.
The reason for the revenue boost is that Southampton is selling key players. While some of them will leave for free, others like Tyler Dibling and Taylor Harwood-Bellis will bring a pretty penny to Southampton.
Southampton could blow their manager hunt by gambling on risky timing
So, player sales will bring the club higher-ups revenue. However, this should be the least of their concerns as right now, they have one pressing task which needs completing: Hire a manager.
Some might respond with "Wait, but don't Southampton have until the start of next season to hire a new manager?" and yes, they'd be right. They'd also be right to point to the Ivan Juric appointment as an example of why the Saints mustn't rush into big decisions.
However, that example is different. Right now, Southampton can afford to wait, but they must understand the risk of doing so.
If Southampton notice the right candidate, but bound themselves by their decision to "wait until the moment is right", that moment might no longer exist.
Indeed, many clubs in a similar position to Southampton are hunting a new manager. There are only so many managers around, so the Saints risk watching a great candidate join a direct rival under their nose.
Already, David Wagner, who is on the Southampton shortlist, has been approached by his former club, Huddersfield Town. This is a glaring example that other clubs might benefit from Southampton's risky delay tactic.
The tactic is understandable and probably right for Southampton right now, but they must not be bound by the tactic. When it makes sense to pounce on an opportunity, Southampton must pounce. Some trains only pass by once, after all.