The last two summer transfer windows for Southampton have not been what you would call quiet. With 8 notable sales and 13 key acquisitions over just the two summer transfer windows which Ronald Koeman has been in charge of the club for, shows that there has been a bit of a shake-up at St Mary’s. After last summer’s apparent ‘exodus’ at the club which saw key players such as Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan Lovren leave, it looked like doom and gloom for the south coast club. However, Ronald Koeman and executive director Les Reed, amongst others in the backroom staff, were able to replace the players that left with equally talented players and then build upon the squad to give it much more depth than the Southampton fans have been used to. With key players once again leaving in the current transfer window, it seems Koeman and his men are looking to repeat last years successes.
Some Clasie additions: The summer transfer window for Southampton
So far, this transfer window has seen the loss of two key players of previous seasons, Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne. It is rumoured that Southampton have accumulated £37.5 million from these two transfers, making a profit of £34.15 million from these players. Not a bad bit of business already. Despite the qualities of Morgan Schneiderlin being at a Champions league level, which is possibly a little out of Southampton’s reach at this current moment, the club showed last summer that everyone is easily replaceable. In replacement for Schneiderlin, Koeman has gone back to his former club Feyenoord to poach club captain and Holland international, Jordy Clasie. 24 year old Clasie, whose determination and passion helped him easily become a fan favourite at Feyenoord, is considered as the ‘Dutch Xavi’ with his fantastic passing ability and leadership which made him become “one of the most highly sought after midfielders in Europe”, according to executive director Les Reed. With the addition that he and Koeman have already worked together, the integration into the squad should be a lot smoother and easier than most. Southampton could very well be his perfect fit. The other key player to leave, Nathaniel Clyne, has also been replaced already by Southampton. Portuguese international Cedric Soares joined the club from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon for a fee believed to be around £4.7 million. Cedric has impressed already in the few pre season games that Southampton have played, scoring a goal and getting an assist from right back, on his debut. With the pace and strength that Cedric has shown in his first games for the club, proves that he could be the ideal replacement for the departed Clyne.
However, not only the outgoings have caused the Saints to dip into the transfer market. At the end of the 2014/15 season, England international goalkeeper Fraser Forster ruptured his patella tendon in his left leg, an injury that usually rules players out for 9 to 12 months. Despite being a fan favourite, number two goalkeeper Kelvin Davis would not be considered as a European quality ‘keeper, by most, which meant the club was in need of a top quality keeper. Dutchman Maarten Stekelenburg on a season long loan from Fulham, was the man that Southampton went with. Stekelenburg has had a marvellous career prior to a move to the Premier league, playing for top Italian side AS Roma and playing in the 2010 World Cup final in Holland’s 1-0 loss to Spain. However, when the Dutchman made the surprise move from Roma to Premier league club Fulham, it did not work out very well for him. A poor relationship between player and the 3 different managers that Fulham had in that one season, was ended even worse when Fulham were relegated to the second tier of English football. Stekelenburg spent last season out on loan to French club Monaco where his less-than-stellar performances failed to earn him permanent deal with the club. However, Stekelenburg is clearly a ‘keeper that has a lot of quality. A good relationship with the manager and a bit of confidence may see Stekelenburg thrive in the Premier league, whihc is what Southampton fans will be hoping to see next season from the big Dutchman.
Due to the fact that Southampton will be playing European football this season, depth will be absolutely vital if the club are able to balance the European competition and the Premier league in an effective way. It is evident that Koeman and his team have acknowledged this with the other couple of signings that the club have already made. Highly rated Spanish forward Juanmi joined the club from Malaga, while versatile defender Cuco Martina has made the move from Dutch side FC Twente, to the south coast. With the arrival of youngster Juanmi and the return of Jay Rodriguez, who missed the whole of last season with injury, has provided Saints with an array of attacking talent, relieving some of the weight that last seasons top goalscorer, Graziano Pelle, carried on his shoulders last season.
Southampton have made a fine start to this summers transfer window, however they are not finished just yet if they are to replicate the success of last season. Losing out on last years loanee, centre back, Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham, could be a massive miss for Southampton and the search to replace him almost definitely needs to carry on. Names such as Virgil Van Dijk from Celtic and Sven Van Beek from Feyenoord have been thrown up in the air, but the way that Southampton go about their business, in a quiet and professional manner, means that nothing is ever sure until the club announces it. A few more smart signings, and the Saints could very well be marching to the top half of the table, once again.
