Southampton FC Rumours

18 Aug 2023 12:14:00
If we let Che Adams go then we're showing no desire/ambition to return to the premier league. I get the majority of the other exits, big value players and fringe players. Che though isn't either. He's definitely class and that's why people are bidding for him obviously but he's a player the club SHOULD be able to keep hold of.

He's a proven goal scorer, even more so in this league and goals are part of the recipe you need for success. The valuation I'm hearing at 10M for him too is ridiculous. I don't rate Adam Armstrong (recent goals were penalties) .and any replacement for Che would be looking to cover the goals he would have certainly got us and there's no guarantee the replacement will .it's madness.

With all this outgoings as well we fans have to be aware that the club is a business. The new owners bought the club for whatever sum of money, the sell of players/assets covers their expenditure whilst netting them a tidy profit. As a business they've just made some nice money, so there's always the possibility that we're here to languish in the championship now whilst our former team is stripped for parts.

19 Aug 2023 20:55:38
The skill that Adams has is intelligence . he has the Danny Ings/lambert ability to hold and then move into space space at the last moment .
makes him impossible to play, IF our players anticipate his movement .
Three pure poachers goals in three games!
Tella has two great feet, knows where the goal is, bags of confidence!
Adam A . not an intelligent player, hasn’t progressed as a player . love to see Dom Ballard being given a chance over AA

15 Aug 2023 17:31:05
So Saints are trying to shift their highest earning players aka McCarthy Aribo Djenepo. I've been told that RM is very disappointed in the attitudes of Perraud and Onaucha and they have been made available for transfer. Lyancos father is trying to complete a loan deal back to Brazil but Saints want a loan fee with a buy option. Montpelier are trying to sign Mara on loan. Bologna have enquired about S Armstrong. 5 clubs have submitted a variety of offers for Adams but none have been accepted. 2 championship clubs have made 8 million offers for AA. Getafe has asked for Larios on loan. I have no info on incoming players apart from Downes.

15 Aug 2023 19:56:58
Superb intel @2408. That is great to know.

It is financially silly to be paying our biggest salaries to essentially our B team.

If we have 3 of Adams, Armstrong, Tella, Sulemana and Piroe at the end of the window, I would take that.

Trade Mccarthy and Lyanco for a new GK and CB and we have a playoff team, if we get our tactics right.

15 Aug 2023 21:30:39
I feel until we get a solid CDM and goal keeper in, it really doesn't matter who our center backs are. At the moment they have no protection in front of them and very little behind them.

16 Aug 2023 00:27:34
It’s enthralling stuff as the money keeps pouring in - well in excess of £100 M but all we hear about is players on the way out. Those we know about who are on the radar to join us are fair to middling players but hardly going to set the word alight.

The biggest priority is to bring in a GK - without one we can huff and puff all we like but we will not be serious contenders for promotion until we get an experienced keeper.

Next, we need a captain - a proper captain who can grab a game by the scruff of the neck and set the tempo.

Stephens is not even close to what we need.

The obsession (it seems) with Swansea players is becoming a joke - what have they achieved there which makes them such an attractive proposition for us.

One of the posters spoke about fans wanting instant gratification. I understand why he might think that but actually, the way I see it is that we do not want to continue gong down rabbit holes in the name of loyalty.

My main issue is that RM is out of his depth - Gillingham was more than just an error of judgement, it was cavalier and naive (clever dick stuff which didn’t pay off) .

The early signs are deeply disturbing and whilst I respect the mantra about giving him time, wait to Christmas etc - I believe the faith is being misplaced yet again. We can afford the salary of a manager with a proven track record rather than taking yet another punt.

I know that many will disagree with me, but we missed an opportunity in recruiting the right manager. That said, for those who like the thrills and spills of games like Norwich - buckle up and enjoy the ride. It will be fun, but it won’t get us back to the PL.

16 Aug 2023 09:09:54
Agreed we need a DM. We had too many attack minded midfielders against Norwich and were exposed. Charles and Downes can fill that role.

Given RM's recent comments it looks like Baz is here to stay. He is young and needs an experienced CB Leader to give him protection as Millertine says.

Piroe has been a top 5 top scorer in the Championship for the last two years. The others are mainly in the PL having gained promotion or with teams hoping for promotion, so they are unlikely to sell. Piroe knows how to score in RM's system so could hit the ground running, which has advantages. Perhaps others know of Brojoa or Lambert types we could get instead.

16 Aug 2023 10:58:24
So far the club has cut its weekly salary bill by approximately 600,000…. 30 million year with player sales and relegation clauses. They have received or will receive over length of contracts, including Lavia, 130 million BUT have many outgoings for players signed over the last 3 years plus 120,000 a week for 2 sacked managers. Money is still tight, I can’t see anymore than 25 million being reinvested in player purchases but I can see 3 loans coming in similar to the JWP / DOWNES deal. I think you’ll see Adams go and a loan player from the same club arrive and Sulemana go on the same sort of deal.

16 Aug 2023 19:40:04
Thank you for that great financial context @2408.

Given the circumstances, if most of Perraud, Aribo. Mara, Lyanco, Sulemana, Bree, Djenepo, Onuachu and ABK are sold/loaned and at least Downes, Holgate and Harwood-Bellis come in, then I would take that right now.

On paper, that is at least a playoffs squad and we balance the books to rebuild later.

16 Aug 2023 21:22:32
We do have the Parachute Payment, that will absorb the payments to RH who gave us good service with no financial support during his time.

Jones'y and his management team, was a mitigated disaster, and should be paid what he is worth, Big Fat Zero!

Sports Republic will still invest, but it needs to be prudent. Think the key will be our strong trading relationship with Man City and Chelsea, its working for both sides, so I expect to see 2 or 3 plays come in as per Lavia and Livramento once agin.

18 Aug 2023 08:03:31
Hi Pete, as I understand it we will receive approximately 50 million this year then 40 next and 20 the third year if we remain in championship. Our revenue will be 80 -100million a year less than being in the premier league. Year one parachute plus salary savings will balance the books but the money we have received from player sales has already been spent. Unless SR authorise fresh expenditure the club is in and will remain for the next 2 years financially viable and not plummeting into debt.

19 Aug 2023 19:35:05
Thank you for the explanation, as with any business, 'Cashflow is King' and re-investment or additional investment, could be sensible.

Say we asked SR to fund 3 purchases for a total of £50 million, to purchase quality youngsters such as McAtee from Man City (£15 million I believe) you have an appreciating asset. Look to sell in two years time at circa £30 million, deduct wages and interest (Internal on a say 6% Note) and it would work.

There is very little downside to factor in.

We also have some great youngsters;

Ballard
Diamond Edwards
Dibbling
Amo - Amaya
Doyle

So it would not be unrealistic, to expect at least 2/3 of these to make £10 - £15 million each within 2 years, although the 3rd year would me more beneficial, by which time, I believe we would/should get promotion back to the Premiership.

19 Aug 2023 20:06:56
The downside was proved last year. If we keep buying youngsters with no leadership the team will not flourish. As for the u21 players you mentioned, I went and watched the u21 Vs villa u21 last night and it was not a great advertisement for football at that level.

14 Aug 2023 15:26:17
Curious on who people think we should sell or keep out of Mara, Aribo, Lyanco, Bree, Perraud and Sulemana?

Hearing rumours that Onuachu may be off back to Genk with a swap deal for a right winger (think we are already strong here with Tella and Ameyaw).

Plus ABK going back to Germany. Then Holgate coming in on loan as a replacement (plus Downes for JWP). Maybe even Mccarthy to Everton.

50m spent on a quality GK, CB and Striker is what I think we all want now, with no more out the door. Then I think playoffs is achievable.

14 Aug 2023 18:24:01
I would keep sulemena if he is willing to fight and perraud is a good player and should be strong at this level. The others could go and I wouldn't be too upset although lyanco will give you passion, although I would play him as a dm not a cb

09 Aug 2023 10:00:11
Any new rumors eds?

It's clear we need players gone. But I think a new cb and striker if nothing else is essential.

{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of anything new right now, all efforts are related to possible departures.}

09 Aug 2023 14:44:32
Add to that a goalkeeper please

11 Aug 2023 16:33:50
@2408. Thank you for those great recommendations. Hopefully some sign for us.

@south_hants_rich I think we probably want a balance.

We need players with Championship experience like Manning, Armstrong, Smallbone, Downes and Tella (plus hopefully Piroe) to get us up.

Then to try and keep hold of KWP, ABK, Bednarek, Alcaraz and Che that have PL experience to help with a smooth transition once we are there. Plus 100m+ in the bank for new signings.

Also give promising youth like Ameyaw, Edozie and Charles a chance to learn their trade in the Championship and hopefully progress to PL level.

I loved our spine of Fonte, Lallana and Lambert in our last promotion push. I think Alacaraz has that creative potential like Lallana. Adams could be prolific in this league but I feel we need a target man like Lambert. Hope for a leader at CB too.

11 Aug 2023 17:51:44
And not forgetting a goalkeeper!
Otherwise - all good

08 Aug 2023 21:11:16
So it took a league 2 team to suss out our frailties! Look at possession stats! They mean nothing! I post this 56 minutes into the game. Championship teams will work out how to beat us or draw, possession means nothing! And we have, allegedly, 50 million of players on display!

08 Aug 2023 23:05:30
2408 …
Well I’m hoping that the new manager is going to learn from this and just maybe will change his game plan. Having read so many comments from Swansea fans, all saying that this is how he likes to play, I’m hoping we don’t have another Ralph . ie this is how we are going to play end of!
More worryingly, it was obvious to all that we had been found out, but we didn’t change anything!
Please don’t tell me he has only a plan A . been there already!

09 Aug 2023 09:34:58
I watch a lot of championship and league one football. Swansea never changed tact and went on their run of results when they had nothing to play for. There are only 7 or 8 players from last season who are good enough for the premier league with Ryan Manning being one. I was damning of RM appointment and remain so, if he doesn’t have plan b/c etc it’s going to be a long possession based and uneventful season.

09 Aug 2023 09:56:32
7 or 8 from all remaining championship teams.

09 Aug 2023 09:58:49
Well it didn't take long for the boo boys to.come out. Yes it wasn't a great performance I feel positive though. don't forget at the moment we are still clearing out players that don't want to be here.
And as rm said players going off script is what didn't help. It's also a contest that championship clubs don't seem to take seriously 8 clubs went out last night.
Let's give it a bit of a chance and see where we are come November/December. I think the idea of how we will play will work once both fitness is where it needs to be (usually about 4-5) games in and the more they play it.

09 Aug 2023 11:52:30
It’s just another example of managers trying to be clever dicks.

Why play a weak side when you have a gilt edge chance of building on Friday night’s result. Winning breeds confidence and so to experiment after one game is just reckless.

Had we won, what would it have proved? Losing in the manner we did just underlines RM is as stupid as many who went before him.

Mark my word, playing pretty but pointless possession football will not get us out of the championship. It won’t be long before RM’s head is on the block. God, I hope I’m wrong but as South Hants Rich and 2408 have pointed out, there is a depressing sense of deja vu with what is going on.

09 Aug 2023 17:22:29
This is not boo boy because we lost one game, it is because is was obvious to anyone who understood coaching football that RM tactics won’t win enough games to get promotion. Quick question…. If you have 3 lightening quick strikers but they are light weight, do you play the ball over the top / through channels or do you try and walk the ball into the net? Let defenders get tight to Tella AA Edozie Sulemana Mara is stupid and inept! Adams and Onaucha are the only 2 who have the strength to hold them off and they are not first choice. Michael Carrick Gary O’Neill and dare I say it Jones would get us out of the championship, with the squad we will have left, not RM!

09 Aug 2023 18:31:47
Exactly - apart from the inclusion of Jones in your list!

And how naive is it to forfeit a run in the Cup because we are focusing on promotion - one game in!

A little run where we might meet and beat Portsmouth or go up against one of the big PL teams would be great for morale and possibly add a little spice to the fixture list.

As I said earlier - too clever by half.

09 Aug 2023 23:13:43
Miller and 2408 … it always amazes me, this bizarre attitude that we as supporters are not allowed to criticise the team or manager. Like you two I’ve supported saints all my long life, even flying home from work in Germany to see the Saints V Forest cup final!
The modern day manager, be that Pep level or other EPL managers, have a game plan, a style that they want to play. But and most importantly, while the style is imbedded in the mindset, the game plan is tweaked and adjusted throughout the game.
I remember seeing changes by opposing managers that literally changed the whole dynamics of a game. The last manager that I thought was amazing was Ronald K. you knew when RK was watching the game, he was watching through the eyes of one of the greatest and successful defenders of all time.

Anyway. we seem to have had in Ralph and now Martin, two managers that have 100% decided the way we ARE going to play! Regardless of 1-0 down, up or 5-0 down . I used to think with Ralph, is he just hoping we might score, because when it was obvious from the first 10 minutes, the whole formation was not working, it just stayed that way . meanwhile we lost and lost.
Our first win of the season, while welcome. was possession football at its finest . but not what wins games. So we carry that into the cup match against gillingham. their manager must have said to their players. ‘don’t fear them, just get it off them. they will just pass it around all match’ . and that’s what we did!
Even a 1-0 and the. 2-0 down, yepp were still playing the same possession football. In any sport I ever played, fear of the opponents attacking menace was a huge factor in the game plan. Fearing/respecting your opponents ability to score, determined everything from formation, to dynamics, to width . to tactics .

So Gillingham clearly had absolutely no fear of our attacking ability! They went for the win and the win they got. Well done to them!

So Martin has decided that his way is the only way to play and he’s not going to change it. Regardless of the skill set of players he has. As 2408 said, we have a very strong attackers in Adams and the unused tall Paul. Others like Tella are dynamic, quick, skilful.
So what do we do … not exploit their skill or ability one bit!

Compare the Burnley side that one the league . superb! A manager that has been there and done it, that transferred his superb football brain into management. When it wasn’t working, he changed things . he analysed, he changed, he tweaked.- and what a team he produced!

Meanwhile . we have possession football .
all the sideways and backwards nonsense.

So yes I am deeply concerned with our new manager. Even worse all the Swansea fans telling us exactly what football he will play . and they are spot on!

Phew …

10 Aug 2023 10:42:19
Well said South Hants Rich…!

In other words, the right manager could achieve something with this squad - the wrong one would win a few, lose a few.

10 Aug 2023 11:10:20
@2408

As you know Championship Football much better than I do. I am curious which players with PL potential you think it would be worth us going for?

10 Aug 2023 13:03:27
I’m not answering for 2408 because he has a wide football knowledge through multiple leagues.
My point would be, do we need EPL players now? Or players that are well proven in the championship, then when we get promotion we can think of EPL quality.

10 Aug 2023 14:46:54
So this is players still left with championship clubs. No loan players from other leagues. Some have been sold such as Gykores and Pedro but here goes. Max Aarons, Yasir Asprilla ( young and petulant but a wonderful talent) Chuba Akpom Paddy McNair John Swift ( when motivated) Gustavo Hamer ( small but wonderful balance and vision) Jacob Greaves Alex Scott ( think he’s off to Bournemouth) Victor Johansson ( imo best keeper in division) Ross Stewart (when fit) Jack Clarke.

10 Aug 2023 14:50:35
League 1, Johnson Clarke Harris of Peterborough might be worth a punt, think he would do well in championship but definitely not in premier league. If we sell Tella to Burnley try and get Scott Twine in part exchange, going to be a top player.

10 Aug 2023 19:30:53
Pretty much agree with the consensus that Russell Martin is going to fail. Very much in the mould of RH in terms of inflexibility, and already coming out with worrying soundbites.slating the team so early in the season is worrying. We will get a mid table finish this year and no better. Would be understanding of the current situation re transfers if Martin was showing leadership, but he is already playing the victim . Norwich will win by 3 this weekend

10 Aug 2023 19:54:41
And furthermore, if Saints really wanted to be unique, and after RM has been seen to fail, then appoint Sarina Wiegman to the post and see a real football brain at work for the first time in a while. Bonkers? yep.but not really

11 Aug 2023 11:32:22
South hants rich, you are spot on!

11 Aug 2023 17:28:52
Aarons Hamer Scott now sold, list is getting shorter

27 Jul 2023 11:56:36
Hi, keep up the good work Eds. Any idea why Sulamana has not been in the squad for friendlies?

{Ed002's Note - Kamaldeen Sulemana (LW) Rennes let Sulemana move on in order to keep another player and to raise funds. The player wants out of Southampton to play at a higher level and I understand he has made this position clear to the club. He has no agent so a third party has been speaking to clubs in France about his availability with interest with Lille seeing him as an addition. The interest of Nice has gone with the signing of Jeremie Boga. Southampton will not recover what they paid for him, but will listen to good offers.}

27 Jul 2023 12:23:13
Thank you so much for clearing that up. Shame he's going onwards and upwards. Championship hard league to get out of but I'm sure we will give it a damn hard go.

{Ed002's Note - Let's hope for the best.}

30 Jul 2023 01:09:33
Sat next to him in a restaurant in ocean village southampton, six months ago!
Openly talking with his wife/partner about where they’d like to move to!
We don’t deserve to keep him, yet another we never have a chance to!

09 Jul 2023 22:28:45
Let's give Russell Martin a chance, at this stage it is unclear what players will be coming and going I feel that we need a real leader to replace JWP who despite being a good player was not the leader from the front that we need also can anyone shed any light on Saluso position as he seemed to have disappeared last season

10 Jul 2023 16:31:00
I believe it was because of his attitude. I could be wrong don't shoot me

12 Jul 2023 12:22:47
One look at Salisu's social media will tell you that he has become the Insta man . posing in bling . posing in very expensive outfits . posing full stop . I also know that his social life became even more important than football, arriving home from partying in london at about 7am on a Saturday morning . yes we were playing that day! And he was sluggish and rubbish!

It’s like Obefemi (spelling) huge problems with his discipline . including staying out in southampton way beyond the times he was supposed to be, being late often .
Southampton are excellent at looking after the personal development of young players .
Starting with a ‘foster’ family, sometimes with another player there.
Once they had shown discipline, respect .! including cleanliness, time keeping . they are allowed to move in with other players, mostly close to or near the training ground .
Then the next stage is to be able to move to (often) ocean village, where they can live alone or with other player.
guess what … even when Obefemi was in the first team, he still lived with a family! Says it all .

Go check out lyanco social media .
Family . football . god!
No bling ., no rubbish .

13 Jul 2023 10:51:02
Further to recent reports I truly hope that SFC have learned from their recent transfer market catastrophes.Now with significant funds expected from Player exits plus the Leagues parachute payment Saints have ONE MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY to acquire TOP QUALITY PLAYERS and (OVERLOOK VERY ORDINARY BENCH WARMERS) in OUR quest to assemble a team capable of shaking up the Championship and potentially Premiership capable.With some good Players retained plus a host of YOUNG PRODIGIES champing at the bit I am convinced. that a squad filled with a far. better attitude and effort than last season combined with improved Coaching under the stewardship of Russell Martin the SFC future could be bright indeed.

25 Jul 2023 05:41:08
*deleted*

{Ed001's Note - come on man, don't hijack a thread with a completely unrelated subject. This is not the place for it, it should have its own thread if you want to discuss it.}

25 Jul 2023 07:27:02
Apologies-Iwas showing my admiration and support for Saints Football Legend Matt Letissier-man.

{Ed001's Note - not a problem but it is just not the right thread for it. It is a completely separate topic. And it is too fractious a topic to really be able to just meld in together without causing issues. It really needs its own thread.}

27 Jul 2023 07:47:49
In retrospect I agree with you.

19 May 2023 20:15:35
Russell Martin. Cannot say I have an opinion or any optimism, but he's improved the two previous sides he's been at. Poor defensive record, probably a cheap option, fits right in!

20 May 2023 20:15:27
A poor choice! Another Selles, another RH! please plz please get a manager who plays attacking free flowing football. The supporters would really appreciate exciting football.

27 Apr 2023 23:17:05
Just got home after watching that absolute disgrace! A 6 pointer against a local rival to attempt to save yor season and THAT is what you offer! Absolutely shocking and barring lavia every single person associated with that effort tonight needs to take a long hard look at themselves and doesn't deserve to wear the shirt or represent the club! I have left saints games plenty angry/disappointed in the past like we all have but to leave tonight with the feeling of f. them.

I'm past caring is the worst feeling possible as a fan! Deserve championship football and without a total reset (get rid of ankersen, selles, half the playing squad) we will be there until the day I snuff it! Felt were were always up against it but to do that in a game of that significance.Absolutely devastated: (

27 Apr 2023 19:15:10
Armstrong instead of Suleman .wtaf! : (:/:#

McCarthy in for bazuna, whilst I do think bazuna needs some time off, he might be decent one day but has been in the firing line too much this season, replacing him with McCarthy is NOT any better. I'd rather keep bazuna in and hope he finds form . McCarthy is just a shower of rubbish and forever will be.