ITC Transfer Special - Part 2

 

Previously wingers were the buzz word. Now it’s the turn of a more central forward position. 

Southampton have scored the third most goals in the league (48) so scoring goals isn’t necessarily a glaring issue. This being said summer signing Ross Stewart is likely out for the season and the situation surrounding Che Adams appears to be unclear. The latter out of contract in the summer. Saints may be tempted to cash in should the right offer come along although RM has openly expressed his desire for Adams to stay.

Should a move materialise for Che it would leave Mara as the next and sole senior striker option. Mara, too, subject to speculation albeit somewhat dubious given the stature of clubs rumoured to be interested - Marseille & Lille. As it stands it would seem unlikely Southampton would gamble and bring in a striker in addition to Adarma, Che & Mara simply due to potential FFP repercussions should promotion not be achieved. Therefore it seems likely a move in this position is dependent on external factors like outgoings.

Let’s say one of Adams or Mara leaves, what’s the play?

The nostalgia pick would be Danny Ings. Prior to Armstrong’s form this season Ings was by far and away Southampton’s most prolific striker recently, bagging 22 goals in the 19/20 Premier League season. Now at West Ham, Ings is perennially part of the matchday squad  for the Hammers but seldom is he in the starting XI. Very much the bridesmaid not the bride. 

Worth noting in the seasons since leaving Southampton Ings has failed to reach double digits for goals and while he may not be a prominent figure in the West Ham team they are not blessed in the striking department. After Michael Antonio they don’t have a natural striker apart from Ings. His age too would make a deal unlikely. He doesn’t fit with the age profile of previous signings made in the Sport Republic era. Based on track record you’d imagine Saints to recruit a younger player for this position perhaps looking towards sell on value. Sadly it would seem unlikely for a reunion this January. 

A transfer target perhaps more realistic is Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski. A transfer in the Ryan Manning mould.

Hear me out, Manning was brought in in part due to his ties to RM from Swansea. Darren Mowbray’s (Southampton Head of Recruitment) former club, Aberdeen. Could it be another 2 + 2 = 4 kind of deal?

That’s not to say Miovski doesn’t have merits of his own. The Macedonian international has 9 goals in 18 games for Aberdeen and 101 touches in the opposition box which is useful given the majority of Southampton’s goals have come from inside the penalty area. At 24 Miovski would fit the Sport Republic profile, a player coming into their prime rather than at the twilight of their career. He’s an archetypal number 9 could prove a useful addition.

Another name the rumour mill has stirred up is Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland. The prospect of Shankland & St Mary’s offers a rich tapestry of comedic headlines and puns but whimsy aside, the Scottish forward is having an excellent season with 13 goals in 21 appearances. 

Another SPL player, Mr Mowbray we see you.

As previously alluded to Southampton’s attacking play typically results in chances within the realm of the 18 yard box. Shankland has 141 touches in the opposition box this season, in the current Southampton squad only Adam Armstrong has more. His goal map also suggests he would thrive in such situations, 11/13 goals coming from this area of the pitch.

Should this supposed interest in Shankland turn into something serious he would join a rich history of players that have represented Hearts and Southampton; Anti Niemi, Rudi Skácel, Neil McCann & Ricardo Fuller. Indeed Fuller won Championship Player of the Month for April in 2006 after 6 goals in 6 games. 

There you go Lawrence there’s a challenge for you, try emulate that.

A move in the striker department does appear outgoing dependent. With Mara and Adams both around there isn’t necessarily room for an addition at this point. Based on the early rumours it seems the Head of Recruitment is leaning towards players from a market he’s familiar with. Not necessarily a bad thing, Russell Martin has used his connections for deals with Downes, Manning & Fraser and they’ve worked out so far. 

ITC Transfer Special - Part 1

 

It’s here. The blog no one asked for but hopefully some of you wanted it. It’s the In The Channel Transfer Special. 

Southampton, as a result of their 18 game unbeaten run, have put themselves in a great position with regard to the automatic promotion race. 10/12 points from the festive period has reduced the gap to 2nd place Ipswich, now only 3 points. In the last promotion out of the Championship Southampton signed Billy Sharp in the January window. The striker scored 9 goals in 15 games - including a brace against Portsmouth - cementing his place in Southampton folklore to help Saints get over the line for promotion.

The question is, what do Southampton do this time around?

*Note - This is a two part series keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment.

 

Losing Nathan Tella in August was a blow particularly given that no replacement came in. Considering the injuries to Kamaldeen Sulemana & Samuel Edozie, Southampton look light in the wide forward positions. Of course there’s still Ryan Fraser however he’s been most impactful from the bench. After him there’s Sam Amo-Ameyaw however RM thus far has been reluctant to give the youngster minutes, only 164 in all competitions.

January is an excellent opportunity to embolden the squad in this position but the question is who?

The first few names to emerge in the rumour mill are Manuel Benson & David Brooks. Both fit the bill in terms of an attacking addition to the squad. 

Benson had 11 goals & 3 assists for Burnley last season as they claimed the Championship title. Looking at his goal map it’s heavily weighted towards efforts from the top left of the penalty area, as you’d expect from a right winger

Sadly it appears Burnley are not too keen on doing business with the Saints. This seemingly driven by Southampton not releasing Tella for less than their asking price.

An astounding level of pettiness.

David Brooks appears to be out of favour at Bournemouth. The Welshman has only played 258 minutes in the Premier League for the Cherries meaning his sample size for stats is limited however in his brief cameos he’s averages 3.57 shots per 90. That’s higher than top scorer Adam Armstrong, 2.06. Furthermore when looking at the accuracy of these efforts, shots on target per 90, Brooks trumps Armstrong again, 1.79 vs 1.29.

Small sample size aside this does suggest Brooks could provide a threat going forward.

Another name loosely linked is Liverpool’s Fabio Carvalho. The Portuguese winger is returning to England after an unsuccessful spell at RB Leipzig perhaps the drop back to the Championship could be beneficial for both parties. Carvalho previously amassing 18 goal contributions for Fulham in the 21/22 Championship campaign.

The ITC ideal signing would be Jonathan Rowe from Norwich. 10 goals from just 46 shots this season, Rowe is one of the standout players in the division this season. Sadly it’s unlikely Norwich would part ways with him halfway through the season. Certainly worth a look in the summer.

A winger is arguably the most obvious addition this window however there’s still other questions to be answered regarding a striker and in central midfield.

Questions to be answered tomorrow…..