There was a lack of goals for Southampton in pre-season. And after the Saints were held to a blank during an uninspiring 0-0 draw with Watford, coach Ralph Hessenhuttl took some solace in suggesting that the Saints at least have time on their side as they look to add a few touches to the often toothless front line.
“Absolutely. (We) are definitely looking for more,” former RB Leipzig told Hampshire Live after being forced to deploy Stuart Armstrong at the tip of his sharp attack.
So even after Seko Mara’s £13m signing from Bordeaux, expect two new faces to emerge before the September deadline, even if it’s Southampton. be It operates on a fraction of the budget that many of the Premier League’s rivals enjoy.
Here are five of the most likely arrivals in St. Mary’s this month.
Liam Dilap – Manchester City
Manchester City have absolutely no intention of letting one of their most talented youth go on a permanent deal. However, a short-term loan may be an entirely different story.
Armando Broja was a discovery on loan from Chelsea last season, leaving an uncertain youngster and returning Premier League star worth £30m. Broja’s rapid development on the south coast will not go unnoticed by other first division clubs with hungry youngsters in need of time to play.
And Dilap, the 6-foot-1, ninth-placed with 32 goals in 32 PL2 games for Manchester City, could do worse than look to Bruges for inspiration.
according to Fabrizio RomanoSouthampton made a £16m bid in July. A little re-calibration is required, but that’s still a deal that can be struck.
Emmanuel Denis – Watford
According to The Express, Southampton has already held talks with the Nigeria international representative. And while Dennis got his start at Watford’s opener last weekend, few expect him to be around by September.
Difficult and direct, Dennis was one of the Premier League’s most forward strikers in 2021/22. 10 goals and six assists is more than just a respectable comeback. Certainly for a newcomer in the first division who is practicing with a club that will finish the season in the relegation zone.
Dennis will represent an immediate promotion to Nathan Redmond and Moses Gennebo as well.
Samuel Idouzi – Manchester City
Tino Livramento arrived last summer without a single Premier League appearance on his resume. He finished the season as one of the division’s superstars, amid public praise from non-England coach Gareth Southgate.
Reports from The Mail, which says Southampton could sign Bayer Leverkusen worth £5m, suggest the Saints are looking to replicate Livramento’s success with another fresh-faced teenager worried about a lack of opportunities at one of the giants.
“He’s an amazing young player with a good pace,” Guardiola said of Iduzzi last year, praising his eye on goal.
Alex Collado – Barcelona
A talented and technical playmaker, 23-year-old Collado looks like he’s fighting a battle he can’t win. Not with Gavi, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong and before him in the ranking of the Barcelona striker.
according to Fabrizio RomanoThe elegant and cultured Collado asks Xavi to let him go. Southampton is a longtime fan, according to Gianluca Di Marzio, and will benefit from the Spaniard’s passing in the final third.
Marcus Pedersen – Feyenoord
Southampton’s reputation as a club that takes uncut gemstones and turns them into high-carat diamonds certainly has not gone through Pedersen.
“I am a player who has never been afraid to take another step,” the Norway international said in July.
“Southampton have shown for years that they can develop young talent and sell them to bigger clubs.”
Pedersen, a raging right-back, insists he has yet to speak directly to the Saints, amid rumors of a move to England (The Athletic). But with Livramento still missing after knee surgery – and with Kyle Walker-Peters edging out on the left – this is one to watch for the next three weeks or so.
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