Currently sat 18th in the English Premier League table, Southampton appear set for another relegation battle. Their third in as many seasons, the Saints have once again retained their status as a major underperformer. That said, there is still time for Southampton to turn around their league campaign. With the club reportedly committed to current manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, the January transfer window is being seen as the key to turning this Southampton side around.
Having signed a number of flops over the last few seasons, smart investment will be needed. However, while the Saints should target a number of new signings during this period, there are also a number of internal moves the club should make. With Premier League survival being the ultimate goal, now is the time to leave no stone unturned. Here are five moves Southampton should make to improve the squad over the next month.
Four Moves Southampton Should Make in January
Recall Winger Mohamed Elyounoussi
Appearing in 19 games for Southampton last season, Mohamed Elyounoussi was seen as the next player in a long line of busts. Falling out of favour with both Mark Hughes and Ralph Hasenhuttl, Elyounoussi quickly became surplus to requirements at St. Mary’s. Sent out on loan to Celtic this summer, the Norwegian’s move away from the South Coast was celebrated by a number of supporters.
Since this time, however, Elyounoussi has begun to turn himself around. Tapping into the potential many once saw in him, he has become a star player north of the border. He had made 13 appearances this season for Celtic and scored seven times while also adding six assists to his tally.
Showing some amazing form, Elyounoussi has earned himself another chance at Southampton. With the Saints current set of wingers leaving much to be desired, bringing Elyounoussi back into the mix would give the Southampton first team a shakeup it needs. Though there is no guarantee that the Norwegian’s current form would continue, it’s worth the chance given Southampton’s current woes.
Target New Defensive Signings
One of the biggest problems with this Southampton side has been their consistency on defense. In fact, if not for a number of major defensive mistakes, Southampton could find themselves much higher in the league table. The biggest issue, however, is just who is making these mistakes. It’s not just one or two players, it’s almost all of the club’s defensive players.
With consistency and decision-making key to surviving in the Premier League, the Saints must look for a solution to these issues. In fact, the club might have already begun this exact type of search. One Football’s Blaise Bourgeois reports that they are targetting New York Red Bulls centre-back Aaron Long, while Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports has linked them with Genk right-back Joakim Maehle.
Potentially close on both signings, both players could join Southampton as early as January 1st. Such timing would be extremely beneficial to this side. Allowing both players to adjust and settle in with their new side, both signings could quickly become a regular part of the Saints starting 11.
Promote Youth Players to First Team
A major issue so far this season for Southampton has been their depth. Examples include the full-back positions, which have been dominated by both Ryan Bertrand and Cedric. Despite both players showing poor form at times, a lack of second choice options have forced Ralph Hasenhuttl to continue with playing the duo.
While first-team regulars should be better than their youth counterparts, we have already seen just how far this team can go. With nothing to lose because of these performances, it’s time for Southampton to start promoting their youth stars. Players such as Jake Vokins, Christoph Klarer, Callum Slattery and Kayne Ramsay deserve a chance to join the Saints first team.
Providing commitment, youth, and a desire to improve, many of the club’s current youth players could be seen as upgrades against their senior counterparts. Allowing these youngsters a chance to prove themself could easily help in elevating the side’s overall form. Plus, with the poor form showed at times this season, it would be nearly impossible for this side to be any worse.
Start Josh Sims
Simple enough, right? What does this man need to do to earn a chance at Southampton? Possessing solid pace and a good right foot, Josh Sims is a young player that deserves a chance to shine. Playing a key role in the Saints’ EFL Cup semi-final victory at Liverpool a few years ago, Sims has since become an afterthought.
Spending half a season on-loan with Reading last season, Sims made seven appearances for the Saints over the latter half of the 2018/19 campaign. However, prior to the start of this season, Sims was once again sent out on-loan. Joining the New York Red Bulls for the second half of the Major League Soccer season, Sims became quite the playmaker for the American side.
Scoring a goal in the Red Bulls ‘single MLS play-off match, the young Englishman became a popular figure across the pond. However, since returning to England, Sims has yet to see a minute of action. Still young and extremely capable, Sims must be given a chance to shine with Southampton in January.
Main Photo
