Saints eye big names ahead of new Premier League campaign
Following a satisfactory return to the Premier League in which they finished a respectable 14th place on the back of consecutive promotions from League One, Southampton are looking to reach the next level. Last season, to help keep themselves in the top flight, the Saints spent £37.5m on new players, and a similar amount could be splurged this summer on big names.
He’s the Wan that they want
One of manager Mauricio Pochettino’s main transfer targets is the dynamic young Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama. After impressing in his two-year spell with the Scottish Champions, particularly in the Champions League, a move to pastures new in England has been mooted, although likely transfers to bigger fish like Arsenal and Liverpool seemed more likely.
However, in a sign that the south coast side want to move away from relegation battles and challenge for European qualification, they have earmarked the signature of the Kenyan star and Valencia and Argentina midfielder Ever Banega as top priority this summer. Although both play in similar positions, the acquisition of both could send a message to their rivals.
A Lovren affair
It’s clear that Celtic is willing to sell Wanyama, although his agent is sending mixed messages about where he’s heading. Whether or not he does arrive, the Saints have already made their first move in the summer transfer window. For a reported fee of over £8m, the club have already brought in Croatia defender Dejan Lovren from Lyon, who reportedly attracted interest from Internazionale.
Lovren’s decision to move to St Mary’s is a sign of serious ambition, and some new signings in central defence, on the wing, in goal and the possible arrival of a big-name striker could see the Saints push into the top half this season. If so, then the dark days of life in the third tier of English football could soon become a distant memory.