As we enter February we mark the end of the January transfer window and what a window it has been for the saints.
Completing 5 signings (costing them over £60 million) and seeing 10 players depart, we have seen more action than we do most summers. Sport Republic have splashed the cash and fans are hopeful that every penny will count and contribute to the club’s fight for survival in the premier league. Sitting at 20th after 20 league games, the club had to take action in a bid to change their fortunes and it hasn’t just been sales that have kept staff busy; 10 players have departed on loan and one loanee (Jan Bednarek) was recalled back for duties at Southampton.
So, who are the new boys on the block?
1: Mislav Oršić (£8 million) from Dinamo Zagreb.
Intraverted winger or wide forwards Southampton are hoping for a bit of creative spark or final product down the left side from Mislav. With him posing a threat in attack the hopes are that his experience will help contribute to more goals/goal opportunities. Currently having goals against Milan, Chelsea, Sevilla and hat-ricks in both the Europa and Champions league (against Tottenham Hotspur and Atalanta) he looks to be a positive spend for the club. Having made a few appearances so far there is room for improvement in his improvement for the club with him not gelling with the squad and looking a bit lost on the pitch but we all hope with time this will come and his nerves will die down a little. He seems keen to please, just nervous and insecure at present.
2: Carlos Alcaraz (£12 million) from Racing club.
Setting the Primera Division alight it’s the boy from Argentina, renowned for his dynamic skills in midfield and ability to drive forwards, he is unafraid to shoot (3.67 shots per 90 minutes on average) and loves to move with the ball at his feet. He is widely seen to be the replacement for Romeu with good passing range and ball play efficiency. There are downsides though to this supposed wonder boy. His adaptability is questionable and there are some concerns over his experience and how he will bode up against premier league sides. With nurturing the ceiling is sky high for Carlos, however as a club we need an instant turnover of results and it is unknown whether Alcaraz is up for this.
3: James Bree (undisclosed but thought to be around £750000) from Luton Town.
A championship right back with no premier league level experience, an ex player of Nathan Jones and coming to us for very little… not an attractive signing on paper and one that has been highly received with hostility by fans. But how bad is he? Based on in game ratings, Bree strikes us statistically as one of the best two-way right backs in his league and his versatility is admired. This fits well with the interesting formation Jones likes to play of a back 4 which shifts to a back 5 when under pressure, potentially making his signing desirable. So far we have only seen him play in the second leg of the Newcastle draw where he was poor in the first half, however he seemed to warm into the side in the second half.
4: Jan Bednarek (loan return) from Aston Villa.
The return of this infamous centre back has been widely taken by fans negatively, however with one of the youngest and inexperienced back lines the premier league has ever seen there is a need for some senior leadership to be established. Despite this, many do not see Bednarek as the solution to this problem. When he made the move to villa he described them as a “bigger club” infuriating many fans, and has a reputation for a poor attitude and disruptive behaviour behind the scenes. This recall makes little sense to many, but he put in a solid performance against Newcastle on Tuesday.
5: Paul Onuachu (£18.5 million) from Genk.
Now THIS is an exciting transfer! A 6’7 striker who knows where the goal is. Onuachu has been on fire in Belgium, with 16 goals in 19 games this season as well as previous goals in both europa and champions league. Saints fans around the world are waiting with bated breath on this signing with him being everything they have wanted for multiple seasons – a tall, physical striker who knows how to score. Is he the missing piece to this talented squad? We are in desperate need of results and it has become evident that Che Adams, Adam Armstrong and Sekou Mara don’t have that clinical final product to do this, and it has been costing us drastically. This signing has however cost us a nearly record amount, we all have everything crossed he is worth it.
6: Kamaldeen Sulemana (£22 million) from Rennes.
Money is being spent! This is almost a scary signing for Southampton with him being a record fee. A left winger it is evident that Sport Republic have acknowledged our weakness down that side and that they’re making changes, showing an awareness many fans were concerned they didn’t have. Sulemana isn’t likely to score us many, but he will pose attacking threat and creative opportunity, supporting Onuachu and hopefully resulting in some points on the table
Overall it is hard to assess a transfer window until we see the effectiveness of the signings but one thing is evident – the club has not given up. Sport Republic have shown their willingness to adapt and be flexible of their long term plan to help in the present which is what this club needs, These signings are on paper a positive step for the side despite the fact they should have arguably happened in the summer. Rasmus Arkersen deserves a pat on the back and an apology from some, the man has got things done.
Here’s hoping for a brighter second half of the season and that these newbies set the league on fire.
Poppy Deabill (@pdeabill_football)