Dragan Solak’s Southampton transfer prayer can be answered with Sheffield United raid | OneFootball

The Southampton owner wants a new attacking midfielder this summer and should consider a move for Callum O'Hare

Southampton fans were left delighted with owner Dragan Solak's admission that the Saints are under no pressure to sell players this summer to balance the books.

Southampton will begin their second successive campaign in the second tier next season after their late surge into the play-offs and through to the final at Wembley in the second half of the campaign was all undone when they were removed from the matchup against Hull City due to being found guilty of spying on Middlesbrough ahead of the semi-finals.

This is the first time that the Saints have spent consecutive campaigns in the second tier since 2009, which ultimately ended in administration and relegation to League One. This time, though, things may be different.

Indeed, the Southampton owner outlined last week that the club were in no rush to sell any of their stars from the recent campaign, and that idea was reinforced with the permanent deals of Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin following successful loan spells, which could have been in jeopardy if they weren't gearing up for the Premier League.

A lot can be said about the tactics that Southampton deployed in the second half of last season, but what can't be denied is the quality of their players, and many will believe that, if things just stay as they are, Tonda Eckert's side could easily challenge for promotion once again in 2026/27, just without breaking any rules.

Southampton need a new attacking midfielder — Callum O'Hare should be the answer

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Nevertheless, Dragan Solak did admit that he wants to add a "top number 10" to support Finn Azaz, who himself registered 11 goals and eight assists in his first campaign at St Mary's.

The Saints created a good balance between bringing in top European prospects and players who already have Championship experience over the last couple of transfer windows. They shouldn't have to look too far for a new attacking midfielder, though.

Callum O'Hare is coming off the back of a career year at Sheffield United, serving as one of the few bright lights in what has turned out to be a truly disappointing campaign at Bramall Lane.

The 28-year-old scored nine times for the Blades this past term, the most he's managed in a single league campaign, while adding seven assists to that tally, too. The attacking midfielder's efforts were recognised by the club, who awarded him their Player of the Year award at the end of the campaign.

Whether it's been at Coventry City or now at Sheffield United, O'Hare has been one of the top number 10s that Dragan Solak is targeting in the Championship for a good number of years now.

With over 200 second-tier appearances and over 60 goal involvements under his belt, he deserves the opportunity to try and break into the Premier League, and after play-off final defeats with the Sky Blues and the Blades, Southampton may offer him the best chance to play for a side that can break into the top two and give him a shot at the top flight.

Sheffield United can raise some much-needed funds if Callum O'Hare is sold this summer

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Unlike Southampton, Sheffield United do need to raise funds to remain within financial constraints, with the Blades set to begin their first Championship campaign not in receipt of parachute payments since the 2018/19 term.

The Sheffield Star has reported previously that the Blades are effectively losing £34 million from their spending budget due to the lack of parachute payments and the new SCR ruling that is being implemented.

Player sales will be a good way to bring the amount they can spend at Bramall Lane back up, and O'Hare is arguably one of the better saleable assets that Sheffield United has, given his performances this past year and the fact he still has two years remaining on his contract, with the option of a third, so the Blades hold all the cards when it comes to a deal.

A sale of the 28-year-old could relax the demand to sell the likes of Gustavo Hamer or Sydie Peck, two other key members of the Sheffield United squad, which could still put Chris Wilder's side in a good place when it comes to reigniting promotion hopes after last season.

Evidently, Southampton have the money to go out and buy a new number 10 without having to sell anyone, with Solak stating he is happy with the squad, and any other additions will be to replace outgoing stars.

So, even if the likes of Shea Charles, Leo Scienza or Taylor Harwood-Bellis depart St Mary's, which would definitely open up funds for the Saints to make a move, perhaps the money is already there to add O'Hare to their fold ahead of what they hope to be another positive season, with a better outcome than last.