Southampton will launch a renewed attempt to re-energise their next season when they take the field again. In the season prior to the last, Ronald Koeman managed to churn out a very positive season for the Saints which eventually led them to a Europa League finish.
But Koeman left to join Everton and there was the entry of Claude Puel at the St Marys. A lot was expected from him as he had a very decent history in terms of his coaching career.
But the Frenchman failed to replicate their success in the last season. Puel’s arrival was supposed to bring positivity but the gaffer failed to imbibe team spirit and got his calculations incorrect at vital stages of the season.
However, there were few good moments for the Saints as they went to be one of the finalists of the EFL Cup. But some tough luck and some poor conversion rate saw them finishing runners-up to Manchester United who claimed the trophy.
Three players they can look to sign this summer in their quest for a much better season.
Andrew Robertson
The Hull City fullback has emerged as a potential target for a clutch of clubs. Despite eventual relegation, the left back was one of the few players who kept Hull alive in the Premier League till the last moment.
Ryan Bertrand has caught a lot of attention and there is a possibility that the player might leave St Mary’s. Hull know they are likely to lose the Scottish player who had entertained the Premier League with his brilliant skills at the KCOM Stadium.
Kelechi Iheanacho
With Jay Rodriguez’s departure, Southampton would be seeking a new forward who would be able to fill in his shoes. Newly appointed manager Mauricio Pellegrino might turn his attention to the Etihad Stadium.
Iheanacho is one of the most vibrant youngsters who already has a significant experience in the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola is willing to offload him if any club meets their valuation of the youngster. He has managed only five starts in the Premier League and has proved his efficiency by finding the back of the net four times. He needs a platform to perform and what could be a better opportunity than this.
Mamadou Sakho
The French defender is the talk of the town. Jurgen Klopp has slapped a price tag of £30m on the defender. The former Paris Saint-Germain player had a row with the gaffer and had to sit out in the entire first half of last season.
But a change of heart allowed him to make a loan move to Crystal Palace in January and his performance for the Eagles spoke volumes. With Virgil Van Dijk’s future hanging in the balance, Sakho’s addition could solve the defensive worries.
