Tonda Eckert has done a great job at Southampton since the sacking of Will Still. Eckert stepped up from his role with the club's U21s and won four out of his five games as caretaker manager. This led to him becoming their permanent manager.
His Southampton side defeated the ambitious Birmingham City 3-1 last weekend at St Mary's. However, there is still a lot of work to be done on the squad. Eckert was quoted by the Southern Daily Echo saying, "We talk more or less daily. I think it's so important that we have the connection between the staff, the manager, the recruitment and the directors."
Eckert will want to start stamping his authority on the squad by bringing in his own players. This will be the first time in his career that he has been able to do so. The now Saint boss has worked under some big names in his career so far. He was Patrick Vieria's assistant at Genoa and worked under Miroslav Klose with Bayern Munich's U17s.
Who could Tonda Eckert sign for Southampton in January?
James Ward-Prowse is the obvious option for Southampton to bring him back to the club. The Saints legend left St Mary's in 2023 following relegation from the Premier League, for West Ham United. Whilst at West Ham, he spent time on loan at Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest. He and Nuno clearly did not click, as Ward-Prowse has been frozen out at West Ham since Nuno took over the Hammers.
A new goalkeeper could also be on the cards for Southampton. Gavin Bazunu has conceded 16 goals in 12 Championship games this season. Bazunu has also spent time on the Saints' bench with Alex McCarthy filling in for seven games in the division. The Saints have not replaced Aaron Ramsdale since he joined Newcastle United on loan.
James Trafford, who starred for Burnley last season in the Championship, could be an option for the Saints. He kept 29 clean sheets in the league for the Clarets in the last campaign, but was then signed by Manchester City. He lost his place at City when they signed Gianluigi Donnarumma. Trafford has still made the recent England squads. However, he could cement his place in Thomas Tuchel's roster for the World Cup next summer by performing for Southampton.
Southampton are currently 11th in the Championship, so with the right recruitment could still make the playoffs.