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This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

Admittedly, the transfer window is a tough place for Premier League clubs to manoeuvre in nowadays.

European sides are aware of the huge influx of TV money in English top-flight clubs' bank accounts, whilst Premier League sides can hold out for huge fees from divisional rivals - just look at Harry Maguire's £80m move to Manchester United as an example of that.

However, despite this, there are few excuses for Southampton not going out and substantially upgrading their backline this summer.

The Saints' defence was awful last term, conceding 65 goals across 38 league games - relegated Cardiff only conceded four more than that figure.

Centre-back Wesley Hoedt isn't too popular amongst many supporters, seen by their response to one specifically poor performance and their hopeful reaction to him being linked to AC Milan.

Another centre-back in Jack Stephens faced criticism for his performance in the dismal 3-0 loss to Burnley on the opening day, as he lined up in a back three alongside Jan Bednarek and Jannik Vestergaard with Yan Valery and Ryan Bertrand as wing-backs.

So, with issues at the back as clear as these, why did the Saints then go and splash an initial £15m on Che Adams from Birmingham, and a fee that could rise to £15m on 20-year-old Mali forward Moussa Djenepo?

After that, it became apparent that sales were needed before Ralph Hasenhuttl could add another player to his squad, with this report stating that the Austrian was eyeing up a centre-back if the aforesaid happened.

Only on deadline day did a centre-back arrive in the form of Kevin Danso, with the 20-year-old joining on loan from Augsburg. But even then, he doesn't feel like the certified defence-fixer that the Saints need.

The South Coast side's transfer priorities should've been flipped around, with defensive recruits targeted before attacking additions. Having conceded five times already this season in the Premier League, Saints are already paying the price.

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