Russell Martin could sign a huge upgrade in the left-back department at Southampton by landing one of his ‘exciting’ transfer targets.
The challenge of staying in the Premier League has never been harder. All three promoted teams were relegated last term however, if Southampton are to survive the drop, they’re going the right way about it.
Russell Martin has captured three talented central defenders in the shape of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood while signing experienced left-back Charlie Taylor and midfielder Adam Lallana.
The Saints have significantly bolstered their defence on paper and their plans to improve their back line aren’t set to stop there, with Martin eyeing up another left back to challenge Taylor, Ryan Manning and Juan Larios.
Southampton in the driving seat to land Sao Paulo left-back Welington
According to the Daily Echo, Southampton are working on a deal to sign Sao Paulo left-back Welington.
This report emerged on Friday and since then, Brazilian outlet Geglobo have claimed a four-year contract proposal has been accepted, with his current deal set to expire at the end of 2024.
The 23-year-old could move as a free agent in January once his deal runs out, whilst the Saints could also pay a small fee to sign him now instead.
Wellington is a talented left-back, who has accumulated 146 appearances for Sao Paulo since making his debut in 2020, scoring twice and adding 11 assists too.
Martin is looking to add a blend of youthful exuberance and experience to his squad this summer and Welington would fall into the former category.
Why Welington could be an upgrade on Ryan Manning
Southampton’s left-back spot is up for grabs heading into the 2024/25 campaign. Ryan Manning was in and out of the team last term while Martin often used Kyle Walker-Peters there or played Jack Stephens as a makeshift left-back.
Now they’ve signed experienced Premier League player Taylor, it appears Martin doesn’t trust Manning to play a regular part in the top flight, with Welington also a potential upgrade on the Republic of Ireland international.
| 2023/24 league statistics per 90 | Welington (Sao Paulo) | Ryan Manning (Southampton |
| Tackles | 2.02 | 1.84 |
| Interceptions | 1.01 | 0.79 |
| Blocks | 0.91 | 0.62 |
| Aerials won | 1.51 | 1.08 |
| Progressive passes | 4.64 | 8.99 |
| Pass completion | 81.3% | 84.5% |
| Progressive passes received | 6.95 | 4.96 |
Whilst the table above shows that Manning is the greater creative force, Welington is arguably better at defending, beating the Southampton man for tackles, blocks, interceptions and aerials won.
In the modern game, the art of actually defending is often forgotten but in the shape of Wellington – who talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “exciting” – the Saints could land someone solid and dependable “gem”, two traits that were often lost on Manning last term.