Two players Southampton should sign in January to avoid relegation
Southampton have endured a shocking start in the Premier League this season.
The Saints had a shaky campaign last season but managed to survive in their final few games under Ralph Hasenhuttl. They finished five points above the drop zone and were expected to kick on under Hasenhuttl but there hasn’t been much improvement in their performances this time around.
Hasenhuttl’s side find themselves in the Premier League’s bottom three after a seven-match winless run including a historic 9-0 hammering by Leicester City. The defeat against the Foxes has virtually sucked the morale and life out of the Southampton players, making it difficult for Hasenhuttl to motivate them.
But it’s high time for the Saints to dust themselves and go again after the international break, with a trip to Arsenal awaiting them. Post Arsenal game, the Sea Coast club take on Watford, Norwich City, Newcastle United, West Ham and Aston Villa in their following five games which are winnable on paper.
Picking up points and climbing the table will be Hasenhuttl’s objective but one cannot deny the fact that this Southampton squad could do a lot better with some additions during the January transfer window. If the Saints are to avoid another relegation dogfight in the second half of the season, here are two players they must sign in January.
1. Rafael Toloi (Atalanta)
Southampton have the worst defensive record in the league as they have conceded 29 goals in 12 games. Maya Yoshida, Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard have all underperformed, while Jack Stephens has rarely featured this season.
Thus, it’s an absolute no-brainer to sign at least a central defender in January and Hasenhuttl should go for Atalanta’s Rafael Toloi, who was linked with a move to St. Mary’s last year. (h/t The Sun)
Rafael Toloi, 29, has been a regular in the Serie A for Atalanta since joining from Sao Paulo in 2015. He was a crucial part of Atalanta’s defence last season, helping the club win Champions League qualification. And the Brazilian has hit the ground running in the new season with three assists in 11 Serie A games.
Experienced, calm and composed on the ball, Toloi would improve Southampton’s leaky backline. He has the attributes to make an immediate impact and Hasenhuttl should go for the Brazilian defender.
2. Jarrod Bowen (Hull City)
Southampton’s pre-season transfer activity was limited, with Moussa Djenepo, Che Adams and the on-loan Kevin Danso the only new faces to arrive at the club, while they also completed a permanent deal for loanee Danny Ings.
But goals have been tough to come by for the Saints. Adams is yet to open his account, while Djenepo has impressed but injury has limited his impact. Ings is the club’s top scorer with five goals but Southampton need more firepower if they are to avoid the drop.
That’s why Hasenhuttl should sign Hull star Jarrod Bowen, who was linked with a move to Southampton in July. (h/t Hull Daily Mail)
Read More Southampton News
- 3 Ideal loan destinations for Everton striker Oumar Niasse in January
- Why Southampton must persuade Cedric Soares to continue at the club
- Why Dejan Kulusevski could be a fantastic signing for Southampton
Bowen is one of the sought-after players in Championship football right now. The 22-year-old has already scored 9 league goals while also recording two assists in 16 Championship appearances this term.
He would fit Hasenhuttl’s style of play and bring freshness as well as goals to a goal-shy Southampton side.