Leicester City suggested entering the transfer race for Saints target Viktor Johansson who ranked joint 4th in registering the most clean-sheets in the Championship last season.
It's only a matter of days before we enter into the second half of the summer transfer window, and it doesn't get any more troublesome for Southampton going ahead. Still, feeling far from finalising their defensive setup, the Saints now have a run against both money and time.
But if the potentially inflated price tags wouldn't pose them a problem alone, Southampton now need to check for their opponents causing additional concerns.
That's because, having had their transfer leads hijacked time and again this summer, Southampton's misery feels repeating again.
We're talking about the Saints' ambition for signing Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson.
It's been over a month since Southampton were rumoured with Johansson, but arguably, till now he has been their best candidate to succeed Aaron Ramsdale. But, this scenario may not hold ahead as Leicester have been tipped to go for the 26-year-old too.
Southampton can't afford losing Top 4 keeper to rivals
Recently, Football League World named Viktor Johansson as a must-consider option for the Foxes as they look forward to a keeper reinforcement for the upcoming Championship spell.
Honestly, it's quite obvious what Johansson's joining Leicester could mean for the Saints. But what they may not be aware of is how Southampton risk their promotion chances if they don't push for the keeper's signing.
Going by 2024/25 Championship stats, Johansson had the joint 4th most clean sheets kept, lagging only by Michael Cooper who will continue in the second division next season. And shall the Saints miss on Johansson, they not only see their chances reduced for a desired direct promotion, but fear remaining in the Championship too.
Clearly, it's a warning too big to ignore for Southampton, especially for the surprise coming from rivals Leicester.
Just yesterday, the club shocked the Saints by advancing their managerial hunt in Marti Cifuentes. And now expected to trouble them with Johansson, Leicester feels close to completing a double hit against Southampton.
Let's hope Southampton respond well, going all in for Viktor Johansson's transfer.