AS SAINTS approach the final two matches of the Premier League season, it is not even fizzling out. No spark has been lit for quite some time.
Sport Republic and, if he remains at the helm of the club, Ralph Hasenhuttl face a crucial summer transfer window opening up in just over a month.
Saints have typically not moved early in windows, so supporters may have to wait until July or August for business to get done.
But the chiefs have given regular hints and insight into what they are planning. Here is everything they have said in the build-up to the 2022 summer transfer window.
CEO Martin Semmens
Overview
“So I think the most important thing is we have a plan in place. We have a strategic plan – it’s sitting on my desk in front of me and that's what Sport Republic have bought into and we will continue on that path.
“So the transfer window, we will always do our way and you're very aware of that. But are we in a better position today than we were yesterday? Absolutely. It allows us to focus in on the things we're doing already potentially doing a bit quicker.
"As I think, I heard you say, as I was tuning in, the (Tino) Livramento one is a really important one for us. Does that give us an opportunity to do another one or two? Yes, it does.
“So I don't think you'll see a massive change in operations, but does it leave us in a better position than yesterday? Yes, it does. We have found partners with ambition for the future, but with a clear understanding of what Southampton stands for and the direction we must go in now.”
Ralph Hasenhuttl
Taking the next step
“We will move earlier this season, this is for sure. I think we have a squad at the moment where we have young, potential players and they are going in a good way.
“The question this summer will be how much of young players we need or maybe even some, I won’t say experienced players but players that give us something different also.
“We have to balance it quite well and this is the goal for the summer. In the end, we are now back known as a developing club that gives young players a chance to play. This is definitely helpful for our transfer activities in the summer, the rest we will look very carefully and see.”
He also said: “I think we have a relatively clear view about what we want to do in the summer transfer window and what we want to do next season.
“And definitely I think it would be a little bit short thinking when you only look for the performances in the last few games and everything was happening before It's not interesting.
“So we have players there, scored a few goals this season and then, in the end, didn't have such a good run. Or players that had a first half that was not too good but then showed up in the second half.
“So we have to be very careful of players what we need next season and what do you trust to make the next step? Because this is what we want to do next season.”
Out-of-contract fringe players
“There is a lot of competition for places, especially in the 10 positions, with everyone fit. The best goalscorers in this position are Moi (Elyounoussi) and Stuey (Armstrong). This position at the moment, is the toughest to jump in.
"We always spoke this season about needing a bigger squad and it definitely helps us through some intense times. Sure, there are also situations where the frustration is maybe a little bit bigger because you don't get the chance to play. This is normal. But you can be sure in the summer we will try to find solutions for everybody.
“Nobody needs to stay here if he doesn't want to, but the deal in the end is everyone has a contract here and while you are here, you have to give everything to help this club be successful, the staff, the players, everybody here, and this is the job we have to do.
"The summer is coming and we will speak about every position, find the decisions for what we want to do in the transfer market and what we do with players who haven't played so much, and if they want to leave.
"We have in the past not told anybody he should go, and we will try to find a win-win situation for everybody."
Losing players
“Yes, it is tough if you lose players in the summer, it is tough if you lose your top scorer. It takes a bit of time to build up a new team but this is the job you have to do if you want to be the manager of this club, because it will also happen in the future.
“This is normal in football, especially for us as a club. In the end, it’s important that you keep on going, keep on finding solutions and this is what we do every week.
“The effort we put in and the time we spend for creating game plans, for working with the players, for making them better, for showing them what we can do better is, in the end, giving you the reward for all the effort you put in and this is how it should be."
James Ward-Prowse
“He has another four years contract here, he is happy here, he is our captain and he will stay here.”
Armando Broja
“Let’s have a look what we do next season. We will have definitely a good young group next season, however it looks.
“At this moment it is not easy to negotiate with Chelsea. There is no question, and it is not surprising that I want him to stay here another year. I know this would be good for him.”
Fraser Forster
“Absolutely, there are a lot of arguments for doing this (new contract and I’m sure we’ll find with him a very good solution for the future.
“I was very happy with the way he reacted when he got the chance to play and I think he absolutely grabbed the chance with all his effort. This is a very good argument for him, definitely.”
The Daily Echo understands no contact has been made with Forster regarding a new contract.
Targeting transfers from relegated Premier League sides?
“At first we have to look at where we end up in the table and then we can speak about what we do in the summer. You can be sure that we have our eyes everywhere, and we will look what we can do.”
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