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…..