Alex McCarthy was at fault on Liverpool's 1-0 lead in Southampton's Carabao Cup defeat, and the 35-year-old looks set to be penalised as Saints turn to loaning James Trafford from Man City.
Like it or not, Southampton's recent FA Cup result hardly came as a surprise initially, until the media spotlight shone on Ekitike's red card. And starting as a discussion giggle, nobody had imagined it ending with Arne Slot himself saving the forward from a reported penalisation.
Now, there's a substantial gap between Liverpool and Saints, which was evident on the pitch, but surprisingly, no fan can even imagine thinking of a fee cut for a Saint who's just scored the winning goal for them.
In fact, Saints have had it that easy, where forward Adam Armstrong and Léo Scienza's open net miss went under the bush on a counterattack that should've been finished every day.
Definitely, the stark difference speaks for Southampton's mediocrity, but it can change soon. And everything begins with the club's recent transfer interest in replacing rotation keeper Alex McCarthy, who was solely to blame for Liverpool's opening goal on the night.
Already stressed by Armstrong and Scienza's early miss, McCarthy ended Saints fans' hopes as he misdirected a pass to Reds' forward Federico Chiesa himself, who assisted Isak for the 1-0 lead. While the game had some clinical saves coming from the keeper ahead, it seems the Saints are willing to look past the 35-year-old now.
Southampton need to get James Trafford's signing done
Interestingly, TeamTalk suggests it's James Trafford again, who could be Southampton's solution to their keeping issues. Having indirectly aided ex-Saint Ramsdale's move, the Man City star is expected to come in direct service now as Saints explore the possibility of his winter loan move.
Well, fed up with even Gavin Bazunu, Saints fans would be more than willing to welcome his former teammate Trafford via the familiar Man City route. And, while the former Cityzens have been a weak link for boss Still, the feelings are more positive for Trafford, coming on the back of a promotion-winning Championship season.
Honestly, Trafford's move has everything to prove to be the season-defining moment for Southampton's sinking ship. Should the Saints make it happen, fans can still have the promotion ambitions alive.