Currently sat 17th place in the Premier League with just eight points from 12 matches, Southampton once again find themselves in a heap of trouble. Just escaping relegation at the end of last season, Southampton once again have the look of a club in turmoil. With reinforcements needed once the Premier League’s winter transfer window opens on January first, here are just a few areas of the club that Saints should consider adding to during this period. Here is Southampton’s transfer wishlist.
Southampton’s Transfer Wishlist: Defence and Width Main Concerns
Right-Back
Possessing only one true right back in the first team, Cedric Soares has proven that Southampton need to add a secondary option during the January window. While the Portuguese right-back has been a stalwart in the Saints first team since his arrival in 2015, Cedric has had proven to be a liability at times this campaign.
With Southampton likely to look for cover at the position, look for Saints to once again target FC Nordsjaelland defender Karlo Bartolec. Speaking to Croatian news outlet 24sata back in September, Bartolec revealed that he almost made a move to Southampton during the summer as Saints looked set to sell the aforementioned Cedric to Premier League giants Manchester United.
However, with Southampton needing cover at the position, a January move for Bartolec would make sense if the Croatian’s claims are true. That said, Bartolec is not the only option for Saints with names such as Kenny Lala and Kyle Walker-Peters potentially set to come up during the winter window.
Centre-Back
Oh, what a season it has been for Southampton at centre-back. Adding Danish giant Jannik Vestergaard during the summer, Southampton have had a revolving door so far this season at centre-back. Along with Vestergaard, Jack Stephens, Wesley Hoedt, Maya Yoshida and Jan Bednarek have all made appearances in the starting XI at times this season.
Despite having five players start matches at centre-back so far, none of the above names have managed to make a lasting impact. In fact, while all five have turned in solid performances at times this season, they have each struggled mightily at times as well.
Unable to win in the Premier League with a backline as inconsistent at this, Saints will need to find someone who can come in and stabilize the side at the back.
With this position garnering the most attention from fans and pundits alike so far, some names thrown around that Southampton could sign include Toulouse giant Christopher Jullien, Manchester United and Argentina international Marcos Rojo and Aston Villa and Wales international James Chester.
That said, look for plenty more names to be added to Southampton’s transfer wishlist once the window arrives.
Winger/Attacking Midfielder
Adding both Stuart Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi during the summer, Southampton looked to have two good attacking options in the midfield and along the wings. However, while both Armstrong and Elyounoussi came to the side with high expectations, both have so far failed to make a lasting impact within the first team.
While neither is a bust by any means, their struggles so far prove that Southampton likely need at least another option. With that said, one player Southampton has been linked to in recent days is Japanese international Shoya Nakajima.
Dubbed the Japanese Messi, the 5’5 Nakajima is currently a target for more than a few Premier League sides, making a potential move from Southampton even more important.
Possessing pace along the wing as well as the ability to play on the interior, Nakajima has proven over the last two seasons that he is ready for a jump in competition. Currently playing for Portuguese side Portimonense, Nakajima has recorded 14 goals and 16 assists in 43 matches with the club.
Clearly a decent attacking player, Nakajima could be just the player Saints need to help reinvigorate their attack.
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