Russell Martin now knows more than ever that he must address his goalkeeper situation as an Alex McCarthy howler condemned Southampton to defeat against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Ever since Gavin Bazunu sustained an Achilles injury in April, Southampton fans have been sweating over the solution to the goalkeeper issue.
Bazunu was Russell Martin‘s undisputed number one until the injury, with the Irishman’s ability with the ball at his feet key to how Southampton play.
Veteran Alex McCarthy deputised in goal for the end of last season and earned a new contract through his impressive displays in the play-offs.
However, the 34-year-old has obvious flaws with his footwork which has led to Southampton pursuing a new number one this summer.
McCarthy only highlighted the urgency of a new ‘keeper coming in before the end of the transfer window on Saturday as his howler cost the Saints dearly in their Premier League opener against Newcastle.
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Alex McCarthy costs Southampton in defeat to Newcastle United
Southampton knew they would face a tough test as they kicked off the campaign away at St James’ Park.
However, Martin’s side were proving they are capable of playing their possession-based style in the top flight even before Fabian Schar’s red card on 28 minutes after an altercation with Ben Brereton Diaz.
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Frustratingly, an issue that has been one of the Southampton faithful’s biggest worries for the new season reared its head just before half-time.
The ball was played back to McCarthy who was under a bit of pressure but had options to pass to a team-mate or clear his lines.
Inexplicably, the Southampton ‘keeper did neither; instead misplacing a timid pass straight to Alexander Isak who squared to Joelinton to score in the 45th-minute.
The fact that few were surprised at the gift McCarthy handed Newcastle shows that this is a position that should have been addressed weeks ago and has only served to intensify the pressure on bringing a goalkeeper in.
Southampton ‘target’ Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele in much-needed McCarthy upgrade
McCarthy appeared to be caught in two minds, with his lack of decisiveness resulting in attempting a pass that really wasn’t on.
The Saints have been linked with goalkeepers this summer, with a loan move for Aaron Ramsdale one of the solutions considered.
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However, it now appears Southampton could revive their interest in Brighton stopper Jason Steele.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop on ‘X’: “Brighton keeper Jason Steele is a target for Southampton. Steele, a ball-playing keeper, played for Albion yesterday but his number one position is not secure.”
Steele thrived in a similar style at Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi last season, who dubbed the 34-year-old “very important” in his time at the Seagulls.
Southampton simply have no choice but to find a replacement for McCarthy this summer and in Steele they would be signing a goalkeeper who is incredibly comfortable with the ball at this feet.
The difficulty might be in convincing Brighton to allow him to leave, but with guarantees around being first choice at St Mary’s Steele may well fancy the move.