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.