Southampton are desperately trying to sign Russell Martin a new goalkeeper ahead of the 11pm transfer deadline on Friday.
Alex McCarthy has started the season as Southampton‘s first-choice goalkeeper with Gavin Bazunu sidelined with an Achilles injury that is likely to see him absent until well into 2025.
There were concerns from Southampton supporters about going into the season with McCarthy in goal given his shortfalls with the ball at his feet and Russell Martin‘s insistence on his goalkeeper featuring heavily in build-up.
Those worries came to fruition as McCarthy made a huge error on the opening day by passing straight to a Newcastle United forward which directly led to the goal that saw the Saints lose 1-0 at St James’ Park.
Earlier this week, the issue looked to be resolved with a deal for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow but that move fell through at the last minute due to an issue picked up in the medical.
Links with Aaron Ramsdale persist, with Southampton favouring a loan, but Arsenal would prefer to sell and Martin should therefore consider these four options as cheaper alternatives to the Gunners’ number two.
- READ MORE: Southampton plot move for ‘fabulous’ player who impressed Pep Guardiola, as well as Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton could swoop for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool have made their first signing of the summer in Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili which could spell the end for back-up Caoimhin Kelleher.
Mamardashvili has been immediately sent back to Valencia on loan for the season but given Kelleher has been looking for a permanent exit this deal has shown the club also consider his future elsewhere.
Having been a reliable deputy for Alison, 25-year-old Kelleher now needs to play regularly as a first-choice to progress his career.
The Irishman competes with Bazunu at international level, with 14 caps to his name, and is similarly adept with his feet to the crocked Saints ‘keeper.
Russell Martin could look for experience in Neto
Bournemouth look set to announce the surprise loan signing of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, which could pave the way for the experienced Neto to move on.
With Barcelona and Juventus both on his CV, the 35-year-old could come in for a relatively cheap fee to provide a short-term solution to Martin’s troubles.
- READ MORE: Southampton transfer priority ahead of Deadline Day now emerges as key issue ‘highlighted’
A capable distributor, Neto is currently Bournemouth captain and would therefore provide real authority in goal too.
Southampton could revive Jason Steele interest instead of Aaron Ramsdale
Earlier in the summer Southampton were linked with a move for Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele and Martin praised the 34-year-old when discussing goalkeepers in January.
- READ MORE: What Russell Martin said about ‘incredible’ new Southampton transfer target in January 2024
Having thrived under Roberto De Zerbi due to his footwork, Steele faces intense competition from Bart Verbruggen at the Seagulls.
Little clarity has been provided by new manager Fabian Hürzeler over who he will prefer now the Dutchman has returned from injury.
The Saints could capitalise on this to try and tempt Steele with a move along the south coast with assurances around being the undisputed number one for a Premier League side and a deal should not cost in excess of £10 million.
Southampton could raid Championship for Seny Dieng
The fourth and final Ramsdale alternative is Middlesbrough’s Seny Dieng.
The Senegal international has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship for a couple of years now and could be lured by Premier League football.
Michael Carrick would not want to lose his goalkeeper with so little time left in the transfer window, but the Teesside club could be tempted to sale if Southampton offer a sizeable improvement on the £2 million they spent to sign Dieng from QPR in 2023.
At 29, Dieng as plenty of experience under his belt and is another modern goalkeeper who is comfortable when asked to play out from the back.