Entering the summer transfer window, a lack of depth at full-back was one of the biggest issues at Southampton. This issue is seemingly close to being resolved, however. Completing the signings of both Tino Livramento and Romain Perraud this summer, the Saints have clearly prioritized the full-back position. Despite this, the club’s work at the position is yet to be complete.
According to a report from Hampshirelive’s Tom Leach, Southampton remain in the market for a third full-back signing. Currently vacant, the number three shirt is still available following the departure of Ryan Bertrand to Leicester City. It is clear that Ralph Hasenhuttl is still looking to add to his defensive depth before the end of the summer transfer window.
Left-Back Remains a Southampton Transfer Target
Tino Livramento will wear the number 21 shirt for #SaintsFC, leaving the number 3 shirt vacant… 👀
— Tom Leach (@TomLeachCCFC) August 2, 2021
In Need of Depth
Under the current depth chart, Southampton are planning to start Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back and Romain Perraud at left-back. However, the second choice picks are where things become interesting. While Tino Livramento will certainly feature as a second choice pick at right-back, the backup left-back remains clearly vacant.
While many believe Livramento can play on both sides of the pitch, the England youth international has only made one appearance as a left-sided player in his young career. Besides Livramento, the other current options are centre-back Mohamed Salisu and winger Moussa Djenepo. According to Leach, the club see Salisu as a third-choice option and Djenepo lacks experience playing as a defender.
Add all of the above together and it appears that Southampton will target a third full-back signing this summer. However, just who could that player be? The Saints have consistently been linked to Manchester United left-back Brandon Williams, but that interest appears to have cooled thanks to United’s reported demand of a £3 million loan fee.
According to the report, two players Southampton may also consider are Hibernian’s Josh Doig and Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. Another option could be to bring in someone on a year-long loan deal. Still, though, the current signs at the club point to Southampton signing another left-back this summer. The only remaining question is just who this signing could be.
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