Despite some fine Southampton transfer news as of late, the Saints still have quite a few question marks resting over the club. The major question, of course, revolves around the futures of both Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard. With the Englishman and Dane both seemingly in demand this summer, a departure for one, if not both, seems imminent.
Another major concern, however, remains the lack of depth across the board for the club. While the recent signings of Tino Livramento and Dynel Simeu from Chelsea have added both youth and depth to the Saints backline, other areas of concern remain. Namely, this Southampton side still lacks depth across the board. Without further reinforcements, a massive skill gap could take place between the first-team regulars and their backups.
What positions are still in need of new signings? Let’s find out and take a look at the first team positions Southampton must still fill during the current summer transfer window.
Southampton Transfer News: Positions Still in Need of New Signings
Left-Back
One of the biggest remaining holes on this Southampton squad is the lack of secondary options at left-back. Despite the signings of full back’s Tino Livramento and Romain Perraud, Southampton lack true depth at left-back. While Perraud will fill the hole left by longtime Saints full-back Ryan Bertrand, Livramento will almost certainly not be a left-back option going forward.
Throughout his time in the Chelsea youth ranks, Tino Livramento made a total of 54 appearances for the Blues youth sides. Of those 54 appearances, the young Englishman played just one match on the left side of the formation. Lacking experience playing on the left side, it would be foolish to expect Livramento to be an option at left-back, at least early on in his career.
While Mohammed Salisu may also be an option going forward, the Ghanaian is expected to star for the club this season at his natural centre-back position. Overall, while the club does have some secondary options at left-back, none are fully suitable. Despite a lack of transfer funds, a true backup at left-back is definitely a position Southampton must still target.
Central Midfield
In an alternative universe, Southampton would have had massive issues in the midfield last season. Playing two extremely young and inexperienced players in the centre of the midfield, the results likely would have been dire. Thankfully, that situation never came to pass. Thanks to the versatility of Stuart Armstrong and the rock-solid reliability of James Ward-Prowse, the Saints were able to keep the midfield situation under control.
However, this situation cannot be continuously relied upon. While both Oriol Romeu and Ibrahima Diallo enter the campaign healthy and fit, these two plus Ward-Prowse only add up to three first-choice midfielders. To avoid any massive issues Southampton must add another central midfield option before the start of the campaign.
Centre-Back
Currently, there is a plausible situation where Danny Ings remains with Southampton for the duration of this season. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Jannik Vestergaard. While Ings’ homegrown roots and scoring touch provides value that rises above most proposed transfer fees, the same cannot be said for Vestergaard. At this stage, the Danish star seems destined for a transfer away from St. Mary’s.
Because of this, Southampton may soon need to find a replacement for the centre-back. Without Vestergaard, the Saints centre-back options are Mohammed Salisu, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens. As far as starting options go, Salisu and Bednarek are both solid choices. The issue, however, begins with Jack Stephens.
A fine second choice option, Jack Stephens just doesn’t possess the quality needed to be a regular Premier League starter. Relying solely on the English defender appears ill-fated at best. Because of this, signing another centre-back has to be on the cards for Southampton this summer.
Main Photo
