Southampton FC’s Summer Transfer Targets
While many of Southampton FC’s top stars are being linked with moves away from St. Mary’s Stadium, Ronald Koeman has already prepared a shopping list for the Saints in an effort to compete for top spots in the Premier League and Europe next season.
Southampton FC have been busy as of late. Everyday, new rumors appear linking the Saints top players away from the South Coast. Stars Morgan Schneiderlin, Nathaniel Clyne, Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane have all been linked with moves away from Southampton this summer.
Another player that may not return to Southampton next season is Toby Alderweireld. The player has returned to Atletico Madrid following his season long loan at St. Mary’s. While Southampton have the option to purchase the Belgian for a believed £6.3 million fee, Atletico have a buyout option to retain the player.
Knowing they can get more than £6.3 million on the open market, expect Atletico to buyout the purchase option. These five represent almost half of last season’s main starters. All five represent much of the club’s depth with all appearing in at least 20 matches last season.
The side also risk losing more from last seasons first team should the players listed depart. Given what happened to Southampton FC last summer, a second consecutive summer exodus is not out of the question.
However, with Ronald Koeman remaining at the helm, summer targets have already been determined. Some would come into the squad as role players while others would bring superstar potential to England’s South Coast.
While not replacing those listed in experience and overall skill, these players would fill holes left by the outgoing stars. The potential of these players however, would be enough to possibly continue the Saints rise up the Premier League table.
Adding depth to the roster will also be important this summer. While the side had an almost pre-determined first team last season, this years squad will need extra players who can come off the bench. While depending on youth prospects works in the long run, competing in the Premier League and Europe will need an added dose of first team depth on the bench.
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