THE lack of depth in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s striking options was further exposed versus Watford but the boss insisted Saints “will definitely bring more” before the transfer window closes.
Saints struggled to a 0-0 draw with the Championship challengers in the third pre-season test of the 2022-23 campaign, at National League Wealdstone’s ground on Saturday.
Only summer arrival Joe Aribo came close to scoring, saved by Daniel Bachmann early in the first-half, while both Adam Armstrong and Che Adams failed to make any impact in their halves.
It means Saints have scored just once in three friendly matches, with the number nine’s glancing header versus RB Leipzig in Austria last week.
- Read more - Man City reportedly reject massive Southampton transfer bid for striker
While the strikers have largely failed to threaten the opposition goalkeeper, they have also been feeding off scraps in a new five-at-the-back formation trialled by the coaches.
However, the ranks have been boosted with the impending arrival of 19-year-old French striker Sekou Mara, after an agreement worth around 11million Euros plus two million in add-ons was struck with Bordeaux.
“This is one of those surprising opportunities you get to get such a player in and then you have to be quick and it was good he decided to come to us,” Hasenhuttl said, on Mara.
🚨 Confirmation from Bordeaux. Another promising young player snapped up by #SaintsFC.
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) July 21, 2022
However, striker is one of the positions supporters will want to see an experienced ‘guarantee’ in.
Interesting to see if there is anymore work done in that area. Still one needed, I’d say. https://t.co/Bz1GqxLetb
“For us it’s another young talented striker who has shown in the French league he can score goals,” he added, after Mara netted five goals in his last seven matched.
“A little bit like (Armando) Broja last season, we weren’t 100 per cent sure but this time this is our player and he’s not only on loan.”
Probed if supporters can expect Mara to be the only striking addition made in the coming weeks, a defiant Hasenhuttl insisted: “No, definitely bring more.
“We will bring some new players in and we will see how good they are and how quickly they can be a part of the team.
We’re back. 🤝 #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/8flbCIqUPT
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) July 23, 2022
“But for everybody else, it’s a chance in pre-season to show up and offer something and then it is up to me to pick them.”
At Grosvenor Vale, Scottish international midfielder Stuart Armstrong was deployed as both Adams and Armstrong’s strike partner before his eventual substitution at 70 minutes.
It was a test of the 30-year-old’s qualities and adaptability, but one he passed after looking the most creative player on the pitch.
Although you may not see the move again, once Hasenhuttl gets his desired reinforcements, the Austrian was impressed by what he saw.
"As a striker he has more freedom for what he can do,” he added. “I think this is good for his game. He was driving with the ball.
"It's not so dangerous when he loses it because you have enough players to defend. I like this position for him."
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