An update on Southampton’s next transfer priority plus the latest on the Saints’ pursuit of Celtic star Matt O’Riley has been provided.
After securing promotion to the Premier League in 2023/24, Southampton have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for a relegation scrap.
Russell Martin has been backed heavily this summer with 10 first-team players already through the door at St Marys’.
The incomings are not expected to stop there, however, with at least two more names potentially set to join the Saints before the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign.
It was reported recently that Southampton are ‘close’ to reaching £6.7m agreement for Ben Brereton Diaz.
Now, with that deal all but confirmed, an insight into Southampton’s remaining transfer priorities this summer has been provided.
Next Southampton priority after Brereton Diaz and Matt O’Riley update
Taking to X/Twitter, journalist Jack Rosser has reported that Brereton Diaz underwent his Saints medical on Monday.
Once Diaz’s deal is confirmed, Southampton are expected to try and add another striker to their ranks.
On top of that, Rosser shared an update on the South Coast outfit’s pursuit of Celtic midfielder, Matt O’Riley.
Southampton saw a £14m bid for O’Riley rejected last week but a deal still appears to be on the cards.
Rosser claims that Martin could offer up Shea Charles as part of a deal to bring the midfielder to St Mary’s.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin transfer target pictured on holiday alongside Southampton star Adam Armstrong
Are Southampton signing too many players
Southampton’s promotion to the Premier League for 2024/25 was somewhat surprising.
They finished fourth in the Championship and lost three of their last five league matches.
However, they then caused something of an upset by beating a strong Leeds United team in the play-off final.
Given Martin’s squad was clearly not ready to compete in the top-flight, it is easy to see why Southampton have been very busy this summer.
But with 10 signings already confirmed and a potential two more on the way, the Saints may struggle to integrate so many players into the squad at the same time.
We have seen this at many different clubs over the years, with teams often struggling for form as they try to embed too many additions at the same time.