SPORT Republic’s takeover of Saints has opened the door to the possibility of January transfer moves but with less than two weeks until the window slams shut, supporters still wait.
The investment, lead by co-founder, Dragan Solak, makes it the first time Saints can purchase without selling since Gao Jisheng tightened the purse-strings due to foreign affairs.
It is unlikely that they will break the bank immediately, but will consider a continuation and extension of the current transfer strategy.
Despite defeat to Wolves last time out, Saints are still 11 points clear of the drop-zone and are enjoying a good season under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Anything added to the squad now will be a big bonus, but Saints supporters have been busy identifying their ideal targets.
Here’s what came up most…
Armando Broja
Broja
— Sarah Wyatt (@MuseumGeekGirl) January 18, 2022
If we can sign Broja for circa £20m that would make it the best January window for as long as I can remember #SaintsFC
— Tom Stevenson (@Trs1981) January 17, 2022
The most frequently requested is an unsurprising one after all Ralph Hasenhuttl has teased about the potential permanent acquisition of Albanian international Broja.
Hasenhuttl has introduced Broja slowly to the Premier League scene with perfection and has been repaid with five league goals already.
He wants him to stay beyond the end of this season, when he is currently set to return from on loan to Chelsea, and all the fans want him to stay too.
This potential deal will depend on an arrangement being met with Blues, with the 20-year-old contracted until 2026, and is one that feels both unlikely but just about plausible.
Goalkeeper
Definitely need a top goalkeeper
— Brian Davies (@brianmadphotog) January 17, 2022
Broja and one of Johnstone/Henderson and we're laughing
— MLC (@mattlc180) January 17, 2022
Broja & keeper= done ✔
— brendon summers (@BrendonSum1) January 17, 2022
Goalkeeper is the next most frequently requested area of resolution, with all four first-teamers currently on deals that are set to expire at the end of the season.
Alex McCarthy is thought to have a new deal on the table which could be announced this year, but it’s likely the other three could all leave.
Saints will need a permanent resolution to the goalkeeping problem, despite the recent impressive form of Fraser Forster.
At 24-years-old, Manchester United outcast Dean Henderson is a popular choice but Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick wants to keep him at Old Trafford. West Brom’s Sam Johnstone also mentioned.
Winger/10
Tricky winger required , someone to get free kicks around the box , think we lack that type of player
— Saints Fan Daz (@SladeDarren) January 17, 2022
Someone to makeup for the lack of impact we get from Djenepo and Walcott who will potentially be allowed to leave in the summer perhaps. I guess an outright winger! Would be nice to see S Armstrong back in the playmaker role pulling the strings soon.
— Aaron woodford (@AaronWoodford) January 17, 2022
Ignoring the obvious want to get Broja on a permanent I think our immediate needs for the end of this season is;
— TheFUTSBC (@TheFUTSBC) January 17, 2022
No.10 - Someone that can create between lines with energy to press as necessary, we have too many wingers
Experienced CB to partner Salisu.. Bed/JS not good enough
Also frequently requested is a brand-new winger or, as Hasenhuttl refers to it, a 10. Current Saints options include Stuart Armstrong, Nathan Redmond, Nathan Tella, Moi Elyounoussi, Theo Walcott and Moussa Djenepo.
No significant names for a potential signing in this position are touted, such is the unknown nature of the position.
Anything that can come in and excite supporters, show a bit of flair and direct attacking play and crucially draw fouls for James Ward-Prowse free-kicks would be a big boost.
The first four current options I listed all have plenty to offer Saints yet, but could the whole team benefit from an extra talented option in this position?
Full-back
Broja would be ideal.
— Ed (@EddySFC) January 17, 2022
A new number 10 would also be great, but I'd imagine we'd have to sell/ loan out 1 or 2 first so probably will for the summer window like the gk position.
Could also need another full back depending on Tino's injury length and if Small can't step up just yet
A full-back could be needed if Tino Livramento’s meniscus injury in his knee is a severe one.
As it stands, the 19-year-old is in individual training and showing no further signs to concern Hasenhuttl and the medical staff but it is one that is on a knife-edge and he will not be rushed back.
If he goes on to require surgery, it will leave just Kyle Walker-Peters, Romain Perraud and Yan Valery as recognised senior full-backs, with Thierry Small still just 17-years-old.
U23s
I would like to bolster our youth ranks. I know U23s are doing well now but we did just loan up a couple of them. Ideally we'd sign another one or two Simeus/Smalls. Market prices a little inflated and squads are thin so I don't see us making any meaningful first ream signings
— Armond (@ArmondDeBeste) January 18, 2022
Another method would be to bring in more under-23 players for the Saints B team. Both arrivals of Small and Dynel Simeu from fellow Premier League academies excited fans immensely in the summer.
Hasenhuttl has spoken about how much he enjoys having keen young players almost just ready to push the first team seniors training with the group.
Sport Republic will allow Saints the opportunity to pick up a few more youngsters in the hope of improving the B team and the future of the club.
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