With Southampton pushing for their highest Premier League finish it is evident that the upcoming summer transfer window will be vital for the club.
The Saints need to strengthen their side in order to compete alongside the English elite once again, as well as potentially on the European stage.
The South Coast outfit saw a mass exodus last summer, selling players for a combined fee of just under £100 million. Despite the fact that a similar ‘crisis’ is not predicted this summer, I feel this transfer window could be even more important for the clubs progression.
Despite reportedly offering Morgan Schneiderlin a bumper new contract, the Frenchman is hotly tipped to depart this summer. In addition, England international Nathaniel Clyne has been subject of heavy speculation linking him to Manchester United.
But more importantly Southampton’s lack of squad depth has been their worst enemy this season, something that would need addressing before a European campaign. Southampton are still without a second out-and-out striker behind Graziano Pelle and and are without a back up right back to the aforementioned Clyne.
If Southampton are to continue their rise to potential European qualification then they need to fill these cracks, especially with the current lack of form of Pelle. The striker hasn’t scored a Premier League goal in over 10 games, and with a suitable back up number 9 the side could of picked up many points during his drought.
In addition to these signings, the full transfer of Southampton’s successful loanees needs to be a priority of Ronald Koeman’s. Toby Alderweireld has been one of the side’s most influential players, and Dutchman Eljero Elia has helped massively with his pace and creativity. Both players have also proven themselves at this level, and therefore should be shoe-ins.
Southampton could also do with a new back up to goalkeeper Fraser Forster, with Kelvin Davis nearing retirement and Paulo Gazzaniga failing to make his mark. Despite Forster having the most clean sheets in the league with 13, Forster has still made some simple errors. However there is no real competition for the 26 year old, it leaves the side fragile at the back or without any healthy rivalry.
I don’t feel The Saints need to spend any where near as much as the reported £57 million of last summer, however I feel suitable investments are vital across the pitch for the side to continue their progression.
