Strengthening The Saints: Outlining Southampton’s Potential January Transfer Plans
The upcoming January transfer window could be make-or-break for Southampton.
Incoming transfers could provide an understanding of whether the Saints are desperately fighting for survival or realising that relegation may already be imminent.
In the 2022/23 season, the Southampton board opted for a spending spree in January, recruiting the signatures of Kamaldeen Sulemana, Paul Onuachu, Carlos Alcaraz and more, spending a reported £60 million.
Sports Republic, Southampton’s owners, have gained firsthand experience that survival isn’t achievable through expenditure alone. Nathan Jones was also head coach at the time, a manager who was far out of his depth in the Premier League. They appear to have resolved this managerial issue with Ivan Jurić, their preferred target over Jones two seasons ago. The Croatian retains hope in this current situation and, alongside possible incomings and outgoings, aims to achieve history. He says:
“I know it will be a very tough job; nobody has survived in this situation before. But I’m really optimistic. I think we can do something exceptional. The guys have to be motivated to do something that nobody has ever done.”
But where do the Saints need to strengthen their team? Will they need to sell players to spend and how will these potential signings bolster their chances of survival or prepare a promotion push next season?
Current Squad Depth
Possible Outgoings
An overhaul in the summer has resulted in many underused players, especially in the attacking positions.
The Southampton board will need to trim the squad down for wages and allow certain players to leave in search of consistent game time. The potential departures are:
- Ronnie Edwards (Loan) *Confirmed to QPR
- Kamaldeen Sulemana
- Samuel Amo-Ameyaw (Loan)
- Maxwel Cornet (Termination of Loan)
- Ben Brereton Díaz
Where To Improve?
The South Coast side have struggled defensively this season, conceding the third most goals in the league. Regardless, the newfound understanding that Armel Bella-Kotchap will compete for his position and the recent slight improvements in defence indicate less need for recruitment in that area as of now.
A major worry is the goal-scoring situation.
Tallying a lacklustre 12 goals this season, the Saints must prioritise forward reinforcements. They have accumulated an xG of 19.7, severely underperforming their output in the final third. Attacking support should be seen as a necessity, either through a loan signing or an experienced forward to help them get over the line.
The reality of relegation has come far too soon this season for Southampton, yet, the board cannot make drastic changes to the squad’s personnel due to wages and the influx of players already at their disposal. I have located two positions that they could look to strengthen in:
- Attacking/Wide Midfielder
- Striker
Attacking/Wide Midfielder
Technical ability and speed are essential for the attacking midfielder due to their role in the aggressive press and their need to create goal-scoring opportunities. Mateus Fernandes is the only natural attacking midfielder at St. Marys since Urić employs potential alternative Joe Aribo deeper in the centre.
James McAtee
Southampton loanee Maxwel Cornet is reportedly returning to West Ham after featuring in just two league games this season. James McAtee could be a viable replacement.
From his time at Sheffield United, McAtee was renowned for his creativity and playmaking skills; he has the vision and technical ability to unlock defences and provide consistent chances for strikers. Operating in the ten in a 3-4-1-2 formation or wide forward in a 3-4-2-1, the Englishman could excel at finding space between the lines and threading precise passes, as shown in the graph, performing in the 90.9% for key passes amongst midfielders. During the 2022/23 season, the 22-year-old was often utilised in a 3-at-the-back setup, amassing nine goals and three assists in the Championship.
Giorgi Chakvetadze
Giorgi Chakvetadze, at 25 years old, has established himself as a formidable presence in the Championship, showcasing his potential ability in the Premier League for the Saints. His performances have been praised for his creativity and ball control, which have made him a key player in Watford’s pursuit of play-offs. His age also adds to his appeal for Southampton, offering a perfect balance of experience and potential for future development.
His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, combined with his vision for incisive passes (as shown in the graph), could be pivotal under Ivan Jurić’s management, who favours a dynamic, attacking style. The Georgian’s recent displays in the Championship indicate he could adapt seamlessly to Southampton’s needs, whether they stay in the Premier League or drop down to the Championship. His contract situation with Watford might complicate matters as he signed a new deal until 2029, but a transfer fee around £15-20 million could suffice for both the current and long-term future of Southampton.
Jaden Philogene
Jaden Philogene is a 22-year-old winger who recently returned to Aston Villa after a successful stint at Hull City. His versatility to play on both wings (and even at wingback) combined with his ability to score and create chances should make him an attractive loan option for Southampton, especially as they need a comfortable winger in one-on-one situations.
Philogene’s ability to read the game and adapt to various positions could make him an asset in a 3-4-2-1 formation. His improvisation would let him influence the dynamic nature of this formation, where the two attacking forwards behind the striker can interchange roles, providing the fluidity that Ivan Urić desires in his attack. From the width provided by the wingbacks and the defensive stability with the three centerbacks, the English winger could utilise his creativity in the central areas, operating in the final third to create goal-scoring opportunities.
Striker
Many fans were surprised by the return of Paul Onuachu this season. The Nigerian provides a unique profile of a number nine, with more physical presence. However, his future is uncertain and, with Ross Stewart’s frequent injuries, squad rotation will be necessary up top.
Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson burst onto the scene as one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects, attracting major interest from big clubs. However, his recent injuries and competition at Brighton have seen his form dip. A potential loan move away to Southampton could provide regular game time needed to regain his goalscoring confidence.
The Irishman utilises his strong hold-up play against more physical defenders. Southampton, struggling for goals and lacking a consistent number nine, could benefit from his physical presence and tactical versatility. He’s willing to drop deep and link play and could provide the Saints with the additional firepower to secure precious points. From the graph, it emphasises his aerial capabilities, operating in the 86th percentile. This could improve the set-piece situation for Southampton, where they are yet to score in the Premier League this season.
Chuba Akpom
Chuba Akpom could be an ambitious signing for Southampton in their pursuit of survival. His ability to consistently find the net, having led the Championship in goals during the 2022/23 season, as well as his relatively failed move to Ajax, could play into Southampton’s favour for a January transfer. However, his contract expires in 2028…
The 29-year-old has demonstrated the capability to thrive in a creative role also, particularly during his time at Middlesbrough, where he was often shifted from a traditional striker to a number 10 position. In this role, he not only maintained his goal-scoring but excelled in linking play between phases. His effective approach in pressing from the front can disrupt opposition defences, often winning back possession in high areas, which can lead to immediate counter-attacks. Ivan Jurić demands hunger for the ball and he possesses that.
Josh Maja
Josh Maja, the 26-year-old striker at West Bromwich Albion, has been reportedly linked with a switch to St. Marys in January. The Nigerian is currently the 2nd top scorer in the Championship this season with 12 goals and could benefit Southampton now, in the Premier League, or later in the Championship.
Unlike current striker Ross Stewart, Josh Maja isn’t known to be an injury-prone player despite previous long-term injuries. His non-penalty goals are impressive, sitting in the 86th percentile compared to strikers. The Saints lack goalscoring opportunities created, with the fewest shots of all teams in the Premier League. He has a shot conversion rate of 26%, amongst the best in the Championship. The 26-year-old can dribble alongside holding the ball up. This combination of traits would allow for an outlet to break presses as he can drag defenders, causing them to foul him or lose their position. At a reported £10 million, Southampton could eye him as a longer-term solution for goals.
Final Verdict
Jaden Philogene could be the creative spark Southampton needs on their side. If the Englishman can translate his Championship form to the Premier League (and most likely the Championship next season), he might just be the difference-maker in their fight against relegation or promotion push next campaign. He has been reportedly made available on loan, as per the Athletic. With Southampton’s soon-to-be vacant loan spot, he could be the perfect solution with an optional fee.
The Saints should sign Josh Maja due to their urgent need for goals in their relegation battle and likelihood of Championship football next season. The 26-year-old has a proven goal-scoring ability, which could help Southampton secure points to avoid the drop. If relegated, his time in the Championship and experience with West Bromwich Albion could be beneficial in aiding a return to the Premier League for the Saints. A £10 million fee for the Nigerian could be worth it, especially since Southampton roughly paid that for Ross Stewart, a man who has played seven games in over a year.
Will New Signings Make The Difference?
It’s going to be almost impossible for Southampton to survive the drop this season. They currently sit in a worse position than Derby County’s record point season, who, at this stage, had seven points while the Saints have an uninspiring six.
No matter who Sports Republic signs, it’s going to be a risk and with the Championship in mind. They must ensure each signing will fit the criteria for their current and long-term plans.
Will these signings completely differ the Saints’ fortunes? Unlikely. But, at the very least, they might restore some pride and resilience, sparing the club from everlasting embarrassment in Premier League history.
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