Southampton are eyeing another transfer target to bolster Russell Martin’s squad ahead of next season.
It’s been a busy start to the summer transfer window for Southampton, who are on the hunt for fresh talent ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Russell Martin led his side back to the Premier League after spending last term in the Championship, with plenty of work to be done before the Saints’ return to the top flight.
Now, the south coast club are said to have their eyes on another player to target this summer however, there is one problem.
Southampton make Liverpool youngster Ben Doak a summer transfer target
After striking gold by acquiring former Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis this summer, Martin could take a similar approach with another target.
This time, Saints could look in the direction of Liverpool’s academy, as Southampton have been linked to 18-year-old Ben Doak.
A report from the Daily Mail claimed that the Saints are ‘keen’ on signing the teenager on loan, with him also being eyed by Leicester City this summer.
Doak, who made the move from Celtic to Liverpool in 2022, is a highly-rated winger in the Reds’ academy, with a move away a possibility this year.
That being said, there is a problem with Saints’ interest, as the report outlines the fact that Arne Slot is yet to make a decision on Doak’s future.
It’s understood that Liverpool will discuss the teenager after the club’s pre-season tour, which will heavily impact whether Southampton can move for the youngster this summer.
Doak could be a smart signing by Russell Martin
Despite being only 18, the signs are already there that Doak could be one to watch as his career develops.
Jurgen Klopp had great faith in the teen during his time in charge at Anfield, where he handed the winger his first three Premier League appearances, one coming last season.
The Daily Mail once relayed that Klopp had described Doak as a “special boy” praise that was taken further by former Saint Virgil Van Dijk, who called the Southampton target a “Tasmanian devil”.
Given Liverpool’s talent in the first team and those that will be ahead of the Saints target next term, a loan move could be beneficial with Martin’s squad being a positive place for a young player to thrive.
First, Liverpool will assess their options and where Doak stands ahead of the upcoming season, with the Saints in the picture to pounce on the winger if he is not considered to be part of Slot’s plans.