Southampton signed some incredible young talent this summer, with Sam Edozie, Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu headlining a £66.06m outlay.

They also did not sign anyone older than 25, further supporting their philosophy of buying the next generation of world-class talent.

One man who they were linked with throughout the summer, and would perfectly fit this mould, is Cody Gakpo.

The 23-year-old has started this season off in sensational fashion too, surely infuriating Ralph Hasenhuttl, who would’ve been desperate to get this deal across the line.

The touted fee for the forward was around £25m, but if he should continue this kind of form until the next transfer window it will surely spark a huge increase.

He already has 10 goals and nine assists in just 13 games in all competitions - an astounding 19 goal contributions - while he makes an average of 4.4 key passes per game and boasts a 56% dribble success rate.

This unsurprisingly sees the forward average a simply sensational SofaScore rating of 8.99, with eight of his strikes coming in his last seven matches alone.

The Dutch international seems to grow with each year, seemingly preparing to improve upon last season’s phenomenal 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.

He will continue to show the Saints what they are missing, and it seems like with his continued red-hot form, they may struggle now to complete the deal should they move again for him in January.

Everyone will want the magical winger with skill, speed and a stunning finish.

Journalist Hamzah Khalique-Loonat actually labelled him “tall, fleet-footed and dangerous”.

The widespread interest in the summer seems like it was for good reason, as he continues to light up every competition he partakes in.

Former Netherlands midfielder Theo Janssen also had the following to say on Gakpo and his prospects in the national team: “That boy (Gakpo) has everything. Fine feeling for the ball, a good through ball, dribbles and is strong between the lines. I really enjoy him. He is going to be an important player for the Orange squad. 

“He is ready to be in the base of the Orange squad. I would definitely draft him. There are other options, but they are not as effective as him.”

Hasenhuttl will never forgive his hierarchy should they miss out again and have to suffer watching him inevitably shine for one of his rivals.