Southampton made 14 first-team signings in the summer as Russell Martin prepared his squad for life in the Premier League.
It is yet to really click for Russell Martin and his large Southampton squad, though, with the Saints on just one point in the league.
A weak performance away at Bournemouth on Monday night saw Southampton lose 3-1 and it was a display that highlighted a number of issues; not least a lack of fight amongst Martin’s players.
One of Southampton’s biggest problems in the early season has been a lack of firepower despite the fact the club signed both Ben Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer to address that very issue in the summer.
- READ MORE: Chris Sutton questions two Southampton summer signings after worrying start to the season
Neither of the two striker arrivals have scored in the league yet, whilst Adam Armstrong and Ross Stewart are also both yet to get off the mark.
Che Adams in form since leaving Southampton
The need to sign forwards became more pressing when it became clear out of contract Che Adams was not going to sign a new deal in the summer.
Adams has never been prolific but has experience of leading the line in the Premier League for Southampton and scored 15 goals as Southampton were promoted last season.
Despite having a contract offer on the table from Southampton, Adams eventually decided to try something new and signed for Italian side Torino as a free agent.
- READ MORE: Che Adams reveals the real reason he left Southampton for Torino during the summer window
Adams has enjoyed a fine start to life in Turin, as he has scored four goals and provided two goals in all competitions so far and Torino actually topped Serie A before the last round of fixtures.
Russell Martin would love Adams at Southampton this season
It was not for lack of trying that Southampton failed to convince Adams to sign a new contract this summer but it could prove costly.
Martin was clear that he wanted Adams to stay and the striker has scored more Premier League goals across his career than all the other strikers at the club combined.
Adams was also very important in how Martin wanted Southampton to play last season as he constantly offered for a pass and provided a focal point whilst maintaining a threat in front of goal.
Now, Adams is thriving in Italy whilst Southampton are failing in their attempts to replace him and learning the hard way that you need someone capable of scoring goals in the Premier League.