Although much of their focus will be on promotion, which is likely to come through the Championship play-offs, Southampton have apparently began work on summer signings, which might result in a bargain deal.
Southampton transfer news
The Saints are in a tricky situation heading into the summer transfer window, with automatic promotion unlikely and the play-offs always an unpredictable option. However, they must still prepare for the best-case scenario, which would be an immediate return to the Premier League this season.
A spot in the top tier would surely increase the quality of prospective recruits, with stories linking the Saints to Karamoko Dembele, who has shined for Blackpool this season, and Juventus prodigy Samuel Illing-Junior. Both of those transactions would have an impact on Russell Martin’s present team as well as in the future, but the lure of Premier League football may be the most important.
The flip side, of course, is the repercussions of Southampton failing to get promotion, which would almost certainly result in a battle to maintain some of their key players. It would also prevent one specific transaction from taking place.
According to Record via Sport Witness, Southampton and Leeds United are both interested in signing Vizela captain Samu this summer, with promotion playing a vital role in convincing the midfielder. Samu, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will be available on a free transfer and could present Southampton with the ultimate bargain heading into the next season.
Leeds will have a tough battle for the 27-year-old’s signature, given that they are currently on track for automatic promotion, but the Saints would most likely have to go via the play-offs this season.
“Massive” Samu can add top-flight quality
The last thing Southampton needs if they return to the Premier League this season is relegation under Martin. Signing guys like Samu would help prevent that. The midfielder appears set to leave Portugal, where he has spent his entire career, and take his greatest move into English football yet.
A move to St Mary’s would also allow the midfielder to build a good combination with Stuart Armstrong, who has been a key member of Martin’s team this season.
When comparing the two athletes, what stands out the most is the balance they can supply for each other. Samu has performed better statistically off the ball and can provide cover for Armstrong to push forward and tug the strings with his performance on the ball.
Zach Lowy will be thrilled if Samu moves on, having previously described the midfielder as a “massive” player for Vizela.
