When one compares Southampton to the circus surrounding other clubs, they have not been attracting much attention from the media in the way of transfer rumours. Of course, whispers of potential new boots at the club could be kept a little quiet, but the south coast club who are about to, somewhat shockingly, enter 2015 in the prestigious top four, seem to recognise how they have risen so far this season; perhaps fresh signings might confuse the as yet encouragingly solid squad. Various formidable members of the team are looking to cement their position within the club, penning a full-time contract, whilst others could be lost to other pastures.
Amongst so much spice and calibre eked out by their Dutch boss, Sadio Mané is apparently due to set off for the Africa Cup of Nations next month, whilst Jay Rodriguez’s unfortunate knee injury does not appear particularly further on the mend, leaving Saints susceptible to an area of weakness. It must be borne in mind that Saints are clearly looking to bandage up this dodgy region on the pitch, with the new signing of former Werder Bremen winger, Eljero Elia. At this stage, Elia will merely be loaned, but Koeman will be eager to officially welcome him to Southampton on a permanent contract further into the New Year.
Elia boasts 27 games under his belt for the Netherlands internationally, and has obviously demonstrated the sort of skillset Koeman acknowledges as necessary to better equip Saints for the latter half of the season. His past at FC Twente and excellent pace should assimilate well with the various on-pitch talents already at St. Mary’s; his prior spells at Hamburg and Juventus might not have produced any noteworthy improvements in Elia, but he could fit the brief expertly at Southampton.
The exciting prospect that is Eljero Elia is somewhat coupled by Saints’ desire to battle any bids for Frenchman, Morgan Schneiderlin. Despite dips towards the more recent weeks of the Premier League, Schneiderlin emerged as some sort of veteran, a pillar of society at Saints, and therefore, somebody to seek guidance from. Now that Dušan Tadić and Graziano Pellè have meshed together so well, their deft abilities upfront have rather taken over. However, despite tittle tattle in the summer, and further echoes presently, Koeman is regimented in his decision not to sell Schneiderlin; he is obviously a key figure in upcoming designs at Saints. This further shows recognition of how standard play and tactics must continue if Saints wish to deliver even more tantalising football throughout 2015.
On the subject of keeping friends close, the left-back hot off the Southampton youth production line, Matt Targett, has just signed a five-year contract with the red and white stripes. Targett’s tenacity and vigour has served him well; his hopes to sit resolutely in Saints’ first team will surely come true for the defender soon enough.
Similarly, Toby Alderweireld is another who might be earning a more fixed spot at the club. The Belgian has been a sturdy ingredient since arriving at Saints from Atlético Madrid just months ago. His presence was vital against their intense match against league-toppers, Chelsea, and looks primed as a necessary permanent signing.
As much as Saints might not be privy to much transfer gossip and supporter speculation, they are certainly going to appear smart and well-heeled as 2015 begins.
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