Two quality players Southampton must sign in January
Southampton have endured a poor start to the new campaign, registering just five points in six Premier League games.
The Saints were fortunate to narrowly miss relegation last season and pressure will start to rise on Mark Hughes if changes aren’t made swiftly. Hughes is yet to discover his best Southampton XI, which in turn has become the biggest problem so far this term.
To preserve their top-flight status beyond this season and possibly secure a higher finish, Southampton will have to make some drastic changes in terms of their performances. In order to truly strengthen their chances of progressing, Hughes will definitely need a couple of fresh faces in January.
That being said, here are two players the Saints must go all out to sign in the winter transfer window.
Morgan Sanson (Marseille)
What Southampton lack is a creative midfielder capable of breaking the lines and bring potency to their play in the final third. Marseille’s rising star Morgan Sanson could be the player that Hughes’ team desperately lack.
Sanson, 24, joined Marseille from Montpellier in January 2017 and has been a revelation for the club, guiding Les Phoceens to a fourth-place finish and Europa League final last season.
Sanson’s dynamic play in the middle of the park is pleasing to watch and his style of play would ideally suit the Premier League. A devastating player on the ball, the Frenchman can take on a number of defenders when he gets going. He is technically brilliant and is capable of operating in a number of systems and positions.
There’s no doubt Sanson would be a brilliant January addition for Hughes’ Southampton.
Dedryck Boyata (Celtic)
Southampton have been defensively very poor this season, conceding nine goals in six games so far. Summer signing Jannik Vestergaard has been the only reliable presence at the back while the others have struggled to make a difference for the seaside club.
So Hughes must look to sign another centre-back in January, a player capable of coming in and solving the club’s defensive woes. Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata could be the defender to fix the Saints’ defensive issues.
Dedryck Boyata is back in favour at the Parkhead after doubts around his future and is a mainstay in the Celtic defence. He has played every minute of the last five games for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
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A powerful defender, Boyata is aerially strong and can also help the team from an attacking point of view. He is a real leader in the backline and while Celtic won’t want to lose him midway through the campaign, Southampton must surely attempt to sign Boyata in January.