Entering the summer of 2019, supporters of Southampton had just one word on their minds: hope. For the first time in many years, Southampton supporters are hopeful again. Hopeful of new signings, hopeful of stability in the manager’s chair, and hopeful of a good finish in this season’s English Premier League.
While some would claim that that hope is misguided, many truly see that the Saints may be about to finally turn the corner. Led by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, Southampton have made some big moves this summer. Whether it be a shuffling of the club’s board of directors or the signing of some major players, the 2019/20 season look’s to be a promising one for the Saints.
Ralph Hasenhuttl Brings Hope to Southampton
New Arrivals
So far this summer, Southampton have targeted improvement for just a single area of the squad. That area is the club’s attacking prowess. Much maligned over the course of the last two campaign, Southampton have struggled to convert in the final third. Based on their business this summer, it is clear that Ralph Hasenhuttl is looking to rectify this situation.
Completing the deal which saw Danny Ings join Southampton on-loan last season, Southampton made the Englishman a permanent signing this summer. However, prior to the Ings signing, Southampton made another move to strengthen the ability of their wing play. Spending a reported £14 million, Southampton were able to secure the signature of Mali international Moussa Djenepo.
However, the biggest signing of the summer would come just a few weeks later. Following months of negotiations between the two sides, Southampton were finally able to land Birmingham City star Che Adams. Having scored 22 goals last season for the Blues, Adams was a long sought after target for Southampton.
Ralph Hasenhuttl: Finally a Top Flight Manager for Saints
Taking over for former manager Mark Hughes last December, Ralph Hasenhuttl accomplished a long sought after goal for Southampton: the appointment of a truly top-flight manager. Having led former club RB Leipzig to the Champions League during their debut season in the Bundesliga, Hasenhuttl has proven to be a major coup for Southampton.
In just a matter of months, the Austrian took Southampton from certain relegation to a clear mid-table side in terms of form. Reinvigorating players like James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond, Hasenhuttl also managed to create a positive atmosphere inside St. Mary’s Stadium. Urging the supporters on, Hasenhuttl turned the Saints around both on-and-off the pitch.
Now primed for his first full season in charge of Southampton, Ralph Hasenhuttl has the promise and ability to push the Saints even higher up the table.
Predicted Premier League Finish: 9th
Despite a bold prediction from new signing Che Adams that Southampton would win the league this season, the Saints look to be a perfect fit for the Premier League’s mid-table. Acquiring great talent to help lead in the attack, they should have little issue finding the back of the net.
However, despite these solid additions, Southampton have thus far failed to land any help at the back. This issue is magnified by the fact that both Jack Stephens and Wesley Hoedt are competing for a first-team role this season. Due to this, one can assume that Southampton will be quite leaky at the back this season.
That said, the Ralph Hasenhuttl effect should be in full force. While his Southampton side are not yet ready to compete with the upper echelons of the Premier League, the Saints are much improved from the squad we saw last season. Their final position in the Premier League table will reflect this.
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