5 Strikers Southampton Could Sign This Summer | OneFootball

By Christian Lovegrove · July 17, 2026

Southampton are actively looking to sign a striker this summer.

After the departure of Ross Stewart on a free, the Saints are left with only one physical number nine: Cyle Larin.

Manager Tonda Eckert rotated between Stewart and Larin last season to ensure they always had a target profile up top. Now, they should look to recruit an option who provides both competition and a younger profile to contrast the experienced Larin.

1. Will Lankshear

Will Lankshear could be a sensible loan for Southampton. (Photo by Leila Coker/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old offers a similar physical profile to Larin. Lankshear scored 11 goals last year while on loan at Oxford – his second season in England’s second tier.

Despite averaging just 0.35 expected goals per 90, the 6’2″ forward matched his season xG total of 11 goals, emphasising Lankshear could offer Southampton a clinical striker option. Reports have surfaced of Southampton targeting players with Championship experience, and he would perfectly fit that recruitment policy.

The Saints have had a permanent approach turned down by Tottenham, with a figure in the eight-figure range rejected. However, as the summer goes on, Southampton are actively keeping track of his situation. Given he has three years left on his contract, a loan could suit both clubs.

IMAGE: A similarity in stats between Lankshear and Larin. Lankshear has played almost triple the minutes, however, in an Oxford side that created less chances. [DataMB]

2. Noel Futkeu

Southampton could explore the Bundesliga yet again for Noel Futkeu. (Photo by Leonhard Simon/Getty Images)

Despite joining Frankfurt this summer, they’re reportedly open to offers (both loan and permanent) for the 23-year-old. He effectively kept Bundesliga 2 side Greuther Fürth out of relegation last season with 19 goals, leading to Frankfurt triggering their buy-back clause.

He’s a physically capable number nine at 6 feet but could complement Larin’s physical, hold-up style of play, offering a more dynamic option. It’s been evident that Technical Director Johannes Spors actively tracks the German leagues, as Southampton signed Leo Scienza, Caspar Jander, Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs, all from German outfits last summer.

Futkeu’s proven track record in the Bundesliga 2 won’t guarantee goals in England, however, as seen with Downs – who couldn’t score a goal in the Championship, even though he scored 10 the season prior in Germany’s second division. Yet, Futkeu has proved more clinical, overperforming his xG (17) while Downs underperformed.

It would likely take time for him to adapt to the intensity and physicality of the Championship, which could deter Southampton. But his profile would make sense for a Saints side looking to add energy to their forward line.

3. Gabriele Artistico

Gabriele Artistico could be a smart option for a cheap price. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Playing in Serie B last season, Gabriele Artistico could be an intriguing option for the Saints. He scored 13 goals and registered one assist for Spezia, although his contributions weren’t enough to prevent the Italian side from suffering relegation.

The 24-year-old played as a sole striker, averaging 0.54 non-penalty goals per 90, highlighting his ability to operate successfully on his own. Southampton will likely continue with a similar system to last season, where they relied upon a physical forward to hold off defenders and bring teammates into play.

Lazio look set to sanction a sale for the 6’2” forward, whose contract expires in July 2028. He had an option to buy in his loan deal at Spezia for a reported fee of around €3 million and would offer the Saints an aerial threat similar to Ross Stewart, operating in the 95th percentile for headed goals among Serie B strikers.

IMAGE: Similar data between Artistico and former Saints striker Stewart. [DataMB]

4. Iván Azón

Southampton have already expressed interest in Iván Azón. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Talks are reportedly underway between Southampton and Como for striker Iván Azón, with negotiations centring around a €10 million fee. The 23-year-old was on loan at Ipswich last season, scoring five goals with four assists in the Championship.

Despite severely underperforming his 11xG, he’d offer the Saints promotion experience. His ability to find dangerous positions suggests a young forward whose underlying numbers could translate into goals, under the right manager.

Tonda Eckert was pivotal in revitalising Cyle Larkin’s career, providing a platform for the Canadian to reach the World Cup.

Azón could benefit under the German head coach. Averaging over eight offensive duels per 90, he’d bring fresh legs by pressing from the front alongside being a striker capable of making consistent runs into the channels, offering a different profile to Larin.

5. Richard Kone

Richard Kone would be a signing with a Premier League ceiling. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Southampton can afford to sign an option who may not be in the prime of his career, but has the potential to explode next season and meet the club’s long-term aspirations.

One player who fits the bill is Queens Park Rangers’ striker Richard Kone. The 22-year-old signed for the fellow Championship side just a year ago, but could take another upward step this summer and join a top second tier team.

A natural goalscorer who was unlucky to only score 10 goals in the Championship in 2025/26, Kone would be a great athletic but also physical option to help lead Southampton’s line and support Cyle Larin by sharing the workload next season,