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A new manager’s first transfer window at a club offers him an opportunity to stamp his mark on the squad. With Ralph Hasenhuttl now in charge of struggling Southampton, and the January transfer window approaching, it would appear that the German coach has plenty of business to be getting on with.
On the chalkboard
With the Saints looking set for yet another relegation scrap, conventional wisdom dictates that several arrivals are needed at St Mary’s Stadium to help the south coast club avoid the drop to the Championship.
However, outgoings have to be of a higher priority for the former RB Leipzig boss. The likes of Manolo Gabbiadini and Steven Davis must be moved on sooner rather than later as they are clearly now surplus to requirements for the Saints, and their departures would free up a significant amount of the wage budget.
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When it comes to new signings, Hasenhuttl may want to consider bucking the trend in this respect. The new coach ought to recognise that he has a strong squad at his disposal, and if he can get key figures fit and firing then he doesn’t actually need any new faces.
Working with what he has
The likes of Danny Ings and Charlie Austin can provide goals, if their fitness doesn’t let them down. Nathan Redmond and Mohamed Elyounoussi provide space and drive on the wings, whilst Mario Lemina, Oriol Romeu, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Stuart Armstrong represent a versatile and well-balanced midfield contingent.
Saints also boast plenty of depth at the back, and have some exciting young talents emerging such as Yan Valery and Michael Obafemi.
It may not excite too many Southampton fans, but by recognising that he already has all the necessary raw materials to hand, Hasenhuttl can focus on coaching and whipping his squad into shape throughout January, away from the distractions of the transfer market rat race.
