Southampton’s January Transfer Window: A Calculated Gamble? | OneFootball

Unexpected outgoings. Too few signings? These are just a few observations that many Southampton fans have had in the few days after the events of the winter transfer window. Technical Director Johannes Spors came in the summer with a reputation for vast knowledge of European leagues, but it’s been heavily debated whether he’s suited for the role in the long term.

Let’s take a look at the squad depth after January, dive into whether the recent transfer activity has been sufficient enough and see how this window could impact Sport Republic’s tenure at the end of the season.

Squad Composition

Before the January transfer window, it was clear that the Saints needed to trim their squad; Spors would’ve known this. The likes of Ronnie Edwards and Ryan Fraser fell down the pecking order under head coach Tonda Eckert; it was clear they weren’t in his plans. Joe Aribo was given several opportunities under the German but failed to deliver each time, inevitably leading to his permanent exit from the matchday squad. 

Recap of Outgoings

As we head into the most important run of the season, the Saints will need all the goals they can get, but top scorer Adam Armstrong departed on deadline day. 

On the one hand, his time was coming up. With just 18 months on his contract — and at the age of 29 — recording a £7m initial fee looks okay on paper. But he remains the Saints’ top scorer this season. It sparks questions, really. Are Sport Republic merely cashing in before a potential departure at the end of the season? As the rest of the season unfolds, the situation will inevitably become clearer.

Recap of Signings/Returns

Southampton’s Squad Depth After Transfer Window

Daniel Peretz

Southampton rightfully replaced Gavin Bazunu. The Irishman, despite his strengths on the ball, had failed to assert himself as a comfortable shot-stopper. After arriving from Bayern Munich, Peretz has come in and initially strengthened the defence. Despite just four matches, he operates in the 99th percentile for saves among Championship goalkeepers and already has two clean sheets — one less than Bazunu had, even though he played 15 more games for Southampton.

It’s unclear whether he’ll continue this bright start, but the introduction of the 25-year-old has brought a sense of assurance — something the Saints have been desperate for over the course of the season.

James Bree

Not only had Tom Fellows played right wing-back, but so had Ronnie Edwards. With the injuries of Mads Roerslev and Elias Jelert, the Saints were stretched thin in that department. With James Bree’s loan only a six-month deal, his Championship experience and successful loan at Charlton will prove beneficial to their backline.

He came back and instantly made an impact, starting in the South Coast derby against Portsmouth and putting up a man-of-the-match-worthy performance in the process. His return will feel like a new signing as a player who, in hindsight, shouldn’t have been let go in the first place.

Cyle Larin

Discussions about the Saints’ new striker were brought to a halt, as it emerged Cyle Larin was chosen to fill the void left by Armstrong. The Canadian was reportedly set to leave Feyenoord a week prior, and Spors snapped up the opportunity.

There’s little risk. A loan with an option to buy means no financial obligation, apart from wages, but also an incentive for the 30-year-old striker to chase down the chance to sign. It could be his last World Cup, and he’ll need goal contributions alongside consistent appearances to have a chance. If Southampton wanted a player with clear motivation, there weren’t many better options.

Will it be enough?

There’s no way to truly predict whether this window will be successful, but we can analyse the squad on paper.

The reported reintroduction of Sam Edozie, who fell out of favour at the club, could provide another body on the flanks for Eckert. Yet, the 23-year-old hasn’t featured at all, meaning his match fitness will need to be developed. With just 16 games left, his impact could be very limited, especially if Scienza and Fellows continue to perform.

Three strikers are a suitable amount, given the need for rotation and the possibility of injuries. However, that possibility is greatly increased when one of those is Ross Stewart, and with the other options of Cameron Archer and Larin scoring a combined two goals in the league this season, there’s no guarantee of goals.

The midfield has seen a massive boost with Shea Charles’ return, especially as Flynn Downes regains his previous form. The pair could finally be the foundation in front of Southampton’s defence. With few changes to the defence, it won’t be a smooth transition into defensive solidity. But the changes around them, alongside the consistency of the backline, could prove beneficial in maintaining a compact structure for the rest of the season.

How Could This Window Impact Sport Republic?

The success (or failure) of this window is pivotal. Sport Republic know they’re on thin ice with the fanbase and will need to minimise any mistakes that could be made. From the failed summer signing of Damion Downs, aiming to be the marquee striker, to the appointments of young managers Will Still and Tonda Eckert. This season alone has been filled with risks.

If January signings offer little this season and the outgoings prove to be too many, it becomes ever more difficult for Sport Republic to retain support.

If goals don’t arrive and results falter, this window won’t be remembered as a calculated gamble but as another decisive test that Sport Republic ultimately failed to pass.