Southampton have received bad news in their pursuit of versatile Liverpool attacker Fabio Carvalho.
Russell Martin was keen to sign Fabio Carvalho on loan in January but Southampton were beaten to the 21-year-old’s signature by Hull City.
With Southampton now shifting their focus to attacking signings, the club have reignited their interest in the attacking midfielder whilst they also pursue Matt O’Riley to play a similar role.
The Saints look set to be left disappointed in their efforts to sign Carvalho, though, with Arne Slot wanting to keep the former Fulham man at Liverpool.
Martin does not have time to waste in signing an attacking midfielder, with the loss of Stuart Armstrong this summer only exacerbating the issue.
Therefore, here are three Carvalho alternatives Southampton could consider this summer aside from O’Riley who is already very much on their radar.
Southampton could offer Mikkel Damsgaard chance to revive career
Southampton were one of the clubs interesting in signing Danish attacking midfielder Mikkel Damsgaard when Brentford signed him for £16.8 million in summer 2022.
It has not really worked out for Damsgaard in West London as he has struggled to ever really establish himself under Thomas Frank.
A versatile player in a similar mould to Carvalho given he play either as a number ten or wide, Damsgaard’s most memorable moment of his career so far was scoring a free-kick against England in the Euro 2021 semi-final.
Yet to score in 54 games for Brentford, perhaps a move to the south coast could help Damsgaard recapture the kind of form that led to Brentford spending big on his signing two years ago.
Southampton should explore move for Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri
Southampton could consider whether it would be worth taking a risk on 21-year-old Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, either on loan or permanently.
The Tunisia international struggled to make his mark on loan at Seville last season but impressed on loan at Birmingham City in the 2022/23 season with seven goal contributions.
A talented player, Hannibal does not shy away from his out of possession work which is an attractive quality to Martin.
- READ MORE: The surprise ‘standout performer’ who has given Russell Martin a selection headache at Southampton
His manager whilst on loan at Birmingham City, John Eustace, confirmed as much as he said: “The way he has played in the last couple of games has been phenomenal. He has broken records for total distance [covered], all that kind of stuff.”
It feels like Hannibal’s career is at something of a crossroads this summer and perhaps Southampton could swoop in to reap the rewards of the youngster’s uncertain future.
Southampton should eye Romano Schmid after impressive Euro 2024
The third and final Carvalho alternative Southampton should consider is Werder Bremen ace Romano Schmid.
Another player who can centrally or wide, Schmid was on the scoresheet as Austria beat Netherlands in the final group game of the Euros this summer as he played a starring role for his country.
Four goals and seven assists in 33 Bundesliga games last season highlight how creative Schmid can be and Martin would be wise to consider the 24-year-old this summer.
It is unlikely Southampton would have to break the bank in order to secure Schmid’s services either and after four years in Germany he may fancy the chance to test himself in the Premier League.