After a frustrating period down on the South Coast, during which things looked to be stalling for Ronald Koeman and company, they bounce back with a resounding 4-0 win over title chasing Arsenal.
Typical Southampton. Just when you think they are down and out, they roar in the face of adversity and defy all logic. It’s a fairy tale that never seems like ending.
Still, there is obviously some room for improvement. Sometimes, it seems like the Saints need an air of constant change in order to truly get going, when things are left for too long the situation can often look somewhat stale.
This is where the January transfer market truly becomes significant. While the notion of breaking the top four is far more unlikely this term than it was last, this Premier League season seems to know no bounds of the unexpected.
A late push for the top six could be on the cards, it is hard to imagine a team of such quality finishing 12th, where they currently lie.
So, in order to spark such an upward movement, perhaps Koeman can tinker with the squad in the New Year sales.
With that in mind, here are three ins and three outs at Southampton this January...
IN: CALUM CHAMBERS – (ARSENAL)
The Arsenal man has been linked with a loan switch back to St. Mary’s after failing to truly kick on in North London since his £16m move in 2014. A product of the famed youth academy on the South Coast, the 20-year old’s return is likely to be a welcome one.
Though first-choice central defensive pairing Jose Fonte and Virgil van Djik are solid enough, the options after the duo are somewhat limited. It’s clear Maya Yoshida and Steven Caulker are not good enough to step in adequately.
Even at right-back, Cedric Soares can often be caught out in defensive positions despite his effective attacking intent.
So, Chambers returning would be a welcome fit all round. Perhaps the youngster can get back on track in red and white and force his way back into contention for the England squad.
IN: SOLLY MARCH – (BRIGHTON)
Though neighbours Brighton are looking like a decent bet to join the Saints in the top tier of the Premier League next term, one of their star players is still being linked with a move away.
England Under-21 star Solly March is reported to have been scouted by the club over recent weeks after a series of impressive performances for the Championship pace setters.
Understood to be valued at around £7.5m by the Seagulls, Southampton’s impressive record of nurturing young English talent could play a major role in the making of this deal. The club currently lack natural wide options and the addition of an exciting home grown prospect would be something suited to the Saints.
IN: LOIC REMY – (CHELSEA)
The Frenchman has been frequently linked with a Stamford Bridge exit this winter as a major cull at Stamford Bridge looks to be on the horizon.
The former QPR man has performed adequately when called upon, though that’s not often enough and is unlikely to ever be the club’s first choice striker. It’s not fair to say Southampton are a level below Chelsea, given the current state of affairs, but perhaps a move to a traditionally smaller club can help the 27-year old reignite his career.
Koeman could use another striking option as the team are far too often reliant on Graziano Pelle in front of goal. There are no guarantees over Jay Rodriguez to overcome his injury battles, and while Shane Long is certainly useful, he is not an out and out centre-forward.
OUT: STEVEN CAULKER – (SUNDERLAND)
Ok, so he’s not really a Southampton player, but QPR loanee Steven Caulker has been linked with a premature exit from St. Mary’s.
The 26-year old was only ever really going to be a backup in the squad, but has often looked out of place when called upon. Still, he’s a decent enough Premier League defender with fantastic athletic attributes and some decent experience in the top tier.
Sunderland have been linked with taking the former Spurs and Cardiff man for the last six months of his loan deal away from West London. While he certainly adds to the depth of the squad, his departure is unlikely to cause too much upset within the camp.
OUT: JUANMI – (MALAGA)
Spanish forward Juanmi hasn’t worked out as hoped since arriving on the South Coast in the summer, and has recently revealed he has been in contact with Malaga regarding a potential return to La Liga.
The silky forward is clearly a talented footballer, a Spanish international after all, but has struggled to truly adapt to the English game. He’s largely struggled for playing time under Koeman, despite their recent barren run up until the Arsenal game.
Perhaps affording him the chance to leave, even on loan, could help the 22-year old rediscover his confidence and make next year a more enjoyable season.
OUT: ORIOL ROMEU – (CELTA VIGO)
Despite making almost 20 appearances for the club since a summer move, Spanish defensive midfielder Oriol Romeu has already been linked with a switch away from the South Coast.
The amount of outings doesn’t tell the story as the former Barcelona academy graduate has largely played a peripheral role for the club. Since Jordy Clasie has returned from injury, the 24-year old has struggled for game time in a pretty packed engine room at St. Mary’s.
Celta Vigo are thought to be keeping tabs on his situation, with a New Year bid reportedly prepared.