The wheels are fully in motion in Southampton’s ongoing task to prepare their squad for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign following their promotion from the Championship last season.
Defensive signings have made up the bulk of Southampton’s past transfer activity, with the English centre-backs Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ronnie Edwards joining the club on a permanent basis.
However, all focus has now turned onto Russell Martin looking to add some attacking firepower to his side ahead of the new season, despite the attack already consisting of the likes of Adam Armstrong and Paul Onuachu.
Ben Brereton Diaz’s arrival at the club has been confirmed, however ongoing absences, including Ross Stewart, who was not at the open training session at St Mary’s, suggest that Martin will continue to pursue attacking signings this summer.
Russell Martin suggests the pursuit of attacking talents is ‘obvious’
Martin is clearly in favour of Southampton further bolstering their ranks ahead of the new season, with the attack being an area that the club will ‘definitely highlight’.
Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo, Martin said: “We’ve got Sam Edozie and Sam Amo-Ameyaw in the building at the minute.
“We are still trying to get Kamaldeen [Sulemana] up to speed with minutes. So, yeah, I think it is pretty evident and obvious that it is an area we will definitely highlight.”
Japanese forward Rento Takaoka and Brazilian striker Juan have also already joined up with the Saints this summer.
Russell Martin could spark optimism in Southampton’s pursuit for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
One transfer target that Martin has previously identified that would bolster his attacking options is Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who the Saints have already previously made a bid in the region of £7million for.
With Southampton looking to boost their attacking, Rak-Sakyi will certainly provide an extra dimension to the Saints’ attack and the creativity that Martin is looking for in his side.
The winger played an incredible part in Charlton’s 2022/23 League One campaign with 23 goal contributions in 43 games, and has since gone on to get several Premier League appearances with parent club Crystal Palace.
Whoever Southampton look to bring in this summer, they have clearly done very well in bringing in their targets so far ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Martin’s side balancing the need for Premier League experience and foreign talents, whilst also turning to last year’s loanees who helped significantly in propelling Southampton up to the higher echelons of the Championship table and gaining promotion.
