Southampton endured a quite simply horrendous 2017/18 campaign and for the first time in five years, failed to finish in the top eight of the Premier League.
Saints were extremely fortunate to escape relegation, leaving Swansea in the drop zone and consolidating their place in 17th by just three points.
Mark Hughes came in and had the desired effect following the shortcomings of his predecessor, Mauricio Pellegrino, aiding Saints in their bid to remain in the Premier League.
As is the case with every season, fresh faces were introduced to the Southampton squad.
The summer of 2017 saw Saints recruit three new players, whilst the January transfer window entailed just the one signing for Southampton in what was a turbulent season.
So, just how did these four signings measure up in their maiden campaigns in Engish football?
Take a look at how we graded the quartet in their first season for Southampton.
Jan Bednarek - B
Bednarek was signed for £5 million from Lech Poznan in the summer as a player for the future. However, towards the end of the season, he was very much thrown in at the deep end.
The Polish youngster featured prominently following Mark Hughes’ arrival and despite looking rather calamitous in previous Under-23 and cup outings, performed well.
Bednarek is far from the finished article but stepped up to the plate and provided a strong defensive option as he helped Saints to safety.
His good form has also landed him a place in Poland’s provisional squad ahead of the World Cup. Bednarek’s proven myself among others wrong with his displays, so it’s a more than respectable B for him.
Mario Lemina - B
Lemina was brought in as something of a marquee signing in the summer, joining from Juventus for a fee quoted as £18 million.
The midfielder slotted straight into the side and impressed the Saints fan-base with some exceptional, all-action displays, notably in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
His form then declined following an ankle injury and he was never quite the same since, appearing to be lethargic and horrendously inconsistent.
Lemina has, on the whole, enjoyed a strong first season in English football and although he is extremely talented, he’ll be hoping for better fortunes next term.
He’s not quite been value for money just yet but if he can discover consistency and play with intensity throughout next season, he’ll certainly be a key man. It’s a B for now.
Wesley Hoedt - C
Hoedt was brought in to reinforce the defensive unit, with him joining for what appeared to be a bargain sum of £15 million from Lazio.
In the opening stages of the season, he played well but was peculiarly rotated by Pellegrino, contributing to his inability to develop consistency.
Time went on and Hoedt eventually nailed down a place in the side. However, his form simply went from bad to worse. Strikers often had the better of Hoedt and the Dutchman appeared to massively struggle with the intensity of the league.
Hoedt has failed to impress in his first season at Saints and although he remains considerably young, he has been a disappointment and at times, a liability.
Surely, the only way is up for Hoedt next season, but for now, it’s a rather underwhelming C.
Guido Carrillo - D
Carrillo stands as the club’s most expensive ever signing at £19 million and simply put, it was a mistake to ever recruit him.
Pellegrino signed Carrillo in the hope that he would aid him in turning Saints’ fortunes around but it did not work and the striker is now stranded at St Mary’s, often failing to even make Hughes’ bench.
Carrillo started regularly under Pellegrino but never looked effective. He scored no goals and contributed with only two assists. Carrillo didn’t offer anything in build-up play and struggled to fool defenders with his movement.
Saints paid £19m for Monaco’s fourth-choice striker and it’s not hard to see why they were quick to accept his departure. A degree of sympathy can be held towards Carrillo, but he’s simply been a waste of money.