Last summer’s transfer rumour mill was a little tense for Southampton fans; top players who had been instrumental in the progress of the club were departing left, right and centre. This summer, it doesn’t feel quite as nail-biting to learn of possible talent to enter the team. However, to hear that Morgan Schneiderlin is really set to flee the nest this summer is a tad unsettling; the French midfielder remained with Southampton throughout the 2014/15 season, despite having the desire at one point to join Tottenham Hotspur, like former boss, Mauricio Pochettino. With this in mind, here’s the first of quite probably a few round-ups regarding what could be changing in the south coast.
Southampton: Early Transfer Signs
Out: Morgan Schneiderlin
Schneiderlin’s best offer appears to be with Manchester United. Although reports suggest there is not yet a fully disclosed fee, it seems that the price tag is set around £25 million. This figure has so far proven too expensive for Arsenal, who have, therefore, reassessed and dropped interest in the Frenchman. A move from Southampton has been rumoured for a while, but it appears this could come to fruition soon enough. Schneiderlin, as already mentioned, had designs to leave Saints during the season just gone, but Ronald Koeman was not keen to forfeit such an asset.
Schneiderlin’s Instagram and Twitter accounts featured a photo of himself staring across the ocean contemplating what his future holds; news companies have taken this as a sneaky hint that the midfielder’s career is about to change somewhat. Furthermore, Schneiderlin has previously spoken out about how he dreams of a place in a Champions League side, which is precisely what he would have with Manchester United, should they decide to put in a formal bid.
Already, replacements might be under the microscope, potentially in the form of Feyenoord’s Jordy Clasie, or maybe Lille’s Idrissa Gueye. Schneiderlin has been a role model and source of knowledge, wisdom and experience at Saints, especially after the influx of new blood at the start of last season. His prowess on the pitch would be sorely missed, but he seems set on a bigger team now, for which he would certainly do wonders.
In: Stefano Okaka
An Italian striker currently playing for Sampdoria, Okaka is allegedly in talks with Southampton with a view to joining the team. Again, as of yet, the fee is undisclosed, but one very much still in the pipeline. If this deal comes through, it is also said to be sooner rather than later. Okaka’s youth career grew into a full senior career through Roma, a side who have been notoriously tenacious and have really threatened to supersede Juventus at times during Serie A this season. However, from then on, Okaka has performed as something of a serial loan, which also included a brief tango at Fulham. This means he has some experience of how football operates in an English league, but probably seeks a more stable club position.
Furthermore, it seems that Ronald Koeman is trying his utmost to accommodate Graziano Pellè even more so; he appears to be monitoring Italian strikers who could mesh well with Pellè in attacking position. Despite a fruitful first season with Saints, Pellè has been a tad hit-and-miss. On occasions, his presence has been recognised, but he has not netted anywhere near enough — he scored just three goals in the second half of the season. Often, Sadio Mané has had the drive and determination to fill in the blanks, though, but Saints really require that extra burst of strength and reliability upfront. This could come in the shape of Okaka.
In: Éder Citadin Martins
Éder is another striker from Sampdoria who looks poised to grace St. Mary’s. Although it seems that he and Okaka would be either-or, they both seem hot prospects and would undoubtedly be brilliant in a Saints jersey, despite Brazilian-born Éder being older, at 28. Again, this potential move is so far for an undisclosed fee, and it looks a weaker rumour than Schneiderlin leaving and Okaka coming to Saints.
Seemingly for the same reason that Okaka would be desirable, the striker would gel nicely with Pellè upfront. Koeman saw that Pellè and Éder both started in the line-up for Italy in their international fixture against England, which suggests that the pairing has been tried and tested, albeit briefly. However, AC Milan also seem to have eyes on the star.
I would hope very much that Ronald Koeman tries to retain as many of the integral Saints hotshots as he can for the upcoming season, and most look eager to stay. However, this period might be more interesting than it is agonising, especially if there seem to be very viable and lucrative deals at Ronald Koeman’s feet.
