Russell Martin is eyeing reinforcements for his Southampton squad as they continue their push for promotion, having faced a challenging period in October with four losses in five Championship games. The 37-year-old manager was even concerned about his position a few months into his tenure.
However, Southampton’s fortunes have turned around since that difficult spell. The team has not experienced a defeat in their last five second-tier matches, securing four wins and propelling themselves to fourth place in the league standings.
Despite this positive turnaround, Martin is keen to strengthen his squad in the upcoming January transfer window. His goal is to enhance the team’s capabilities for the crucial months ahead as they aim to secure promotion, competing with current top-two occupants Leicester City and Ipswich Town.
Outlined below are three potential dream signings that could join St Mary’s this January, providing a boost to Southampton’s promotion ambitions.
1 Maximilian Entrup
Southampton are said to be interested in signing Entrup when the transfer window reopens, with the 26-year-old forward lighting up the Austrian Bundesliga for TSV Hartbeg this season, attracting interest.
The current TSV Hartberg forward has 11 goals in as many appearances in all competitions, earning him a call-up to the Austria national team.
Southampton may also consider Entrup as a feasible alternative to reinforce an attack that might be weakened if Che Adams leaves the Saints, adding another clinical sharpshooter to the squad to compete with top scorer Adam Armstrong.
Hartberg’s number 11 demonstrated uncanny calm in front of goal in a recent match against Wolfsberger AC, scoring a brace in a decisive 3-0 win, according to Sofascore.
Entrup’s prolific goal-scoring streak should see him land a huge move away from Austria soon, with Southampton one possible destination.
2 Nathan Wood
Russell Martin could revisit his former team and revive interest in Swansea City’s Nathan Wood in the upcoming January transfer window. A potential deal for the 21-year-old defender was previously rumored during the summer, with a £10 million bid from Southampton ultimately rejected. Despite the setback, Martin may consider pursuing Wood once again.
Wood, known for his mobility in defense, would complement Taylor Harwood-Bellis and align well with Martin’s playing philosophy at St Mary’s, particularly as a defender proficient in passing from the back. Under Swansea’s new manager, Michael Duff, Wood has demonstrated this ability by averaging 53.4 accurate passes from the back per game, as per Sofascore.
In addition to his passing prowess, Wood has also contributed offensively, scoring a goal this season against West Brom. While the goal was a consolation in a 3-2 loss, it highlights Wood’s versatility.
Considering the need for depth in the center-back position, Wood could provide competition for Southampton’s captain, Jack Stephens, and the established first-team player, Jan Bednarek, potentially becoming a valuable addition to Martin’s squad.
3 Ben Johnson
A potential move for Johnson in the upcoming January transfer window would mark Southampton’s renewed interest in a deal that eluded them during the summer. Russell Martin had expressed interest in bringing the 23-year-old to St Mary’s, but the move failed to materialize back then.
The proposed transfer would likely be beneficial for all parties involved. Johnson has seen no playing time under David Moyes at West Ham this season, often finding himself on the bench as the team’s number two.
For Southampton, securing Johnson’s services would provide valuable reinforcement, offering versatility as he can operate as both a left-back and a center-back. This flexibility would address the South Coast side’s shortage of left-back options, with Ryan Manning currently the only fit player in the squad for that role.
Introducing a new face like Johnson would not only provide Manning with healthy competition but also offer Russell Martin more options and flexibility in team selections, particularly if the Irish defender is unavailable for any reason.
Leave a Reply