Southampton had an extremely busy summer as Russell Martin looked to assemble a squad capable of staying in the Premier League this season.
Any delusions about just how difficult this will be for Russell Martin have been put to bed as Southampton have started the season with three defeats from three in the league with just one goal scored.
In total, 14 first-team signings were made by Sport Republic this summer as they have backed their manager.
Nothing highlights this more than the Deadline Day signing of Aaron Ramsdale for a fee that could rise as high as £25 million.
It was a chaotic final day of the transfer window as Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet both joined Martin’s ranks ready for the season.
- READ MORE: The real reason Russell Martin wants Southampton to sign ‘magic’ winger alongside Ryan Fraser
However, despite the fact the transfer window is now closed in the UK until January, there could still be some departures from the club with the Saudi Arabian transfer market closing on September 2nd and the Turkish transfer window open as late as September 18th.
With that in mind, here are three transfers Southampton could still make this summer.
Paul Onuachu expected to seal Trabzonspor move from Southampton
The most likely exit is that of Paul Onuachu, who enjoyed a successful loan spell in Turkey with Trabzonspor last season.
When Southampton signed Onuachu for £18 million on Deadline Day in January 2023 it was the dictionary definition of a panic buy.
The Saints were staring Premier League relegation in the face and so went against their entire transfer philosophy to sign the then-28-year-old, 6ft 8ins Onuachu from Genk.
The Nigerian barely got a chance as the manager who wanted a target man, Nathan Jones, was sacked just days later.
With no goals to show for their investment and the giant striker clearly not fancied by Martin, Southampton want to agree a permanent exit for Onuachu this summer and the most likely way of doing that is via a move to Trabzonspor.
As yet, though, the Turkish club are yet to make a reasonable offer and Southampton will hold firm until that changes.
As we get closer to the 18th September deadline, expect Trabzonspor to push harder to secure Onauchu’s services after he scored 17 goals on loan last campaign.
Armel Bella-Kotchap could still leave Southampton after failed Hoffenheim transfer
Armel Bella-Kotchap finds himself in a difficult position.
The 22-year-old earned two senior Germany caps during his first season at Southampton in 2022/23 but has had numerous injury problems since then and made just three league starts on loan at PSV last season.
As a sellable asset with seemingly no future at the club, Southampton have been trying to manufacture a sale of Bella-Kotchap this summer and thought they had done so with a £12.8 million transfer agreed with Hoffenheim.
- READ MORE: Southampton boss Russell Martin issues Armel Bella-Kotchap update amid latest transfer twist
An issue raised during the medical saw that deal fall through, however, and Bella-Kotchap actually featured off the bench against Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup last week.
That move looks to have been simply to show any potential suitors that the defender is fit and available rather than a fresh start at the Saints and the club will hope for a late offer.
With the transfer window in Saudi only having a few hours left before it closes, Turkey seems a far more likely destination for Bella-Kotchap who could attract the attention of one of the top clubs.
Southampton may be given decision to make on Kamaldeen Sulemana
As well as Onauchu, Southampton signed Kamaldeen Sulemana on Deadline Day of January 2023, breaking their transfer record to do so.
The Ghanaian’s Saints career has been equally disappointing, scoring just twice in 44 appearances for the club; both of which came in a final day 4-4 draw against Liverpool with Southampton already relegated.
Injury in pre-season last year is likely the only reason Sulemana stayed at St Mary’s last summer despite signing just six months earlier, whilst he has suffered the same problem this summer having sustained an injury against Oxford United.
Martin did not depend on Sulemana at all towards the business end of last season and is unlikely to trust the winger in the Premier League.
Whilst he does have obvious talent and lightning pace to match, the 22-year-old is incredibly raw and question marks regarding his desire to perform for the club remain.
Therefore, if a Turkish club table a late bid it would not be a surprise for Southampton to give it real consideration.