Despite the fact the transfer window closed on Friday in the UK, Southampton could still negotiate the exits of some of their squad players.
Russell Martin made 14 first-team signings at Southampton this summer to try and get his squad Premier League ready.
What this has meant, though, is that the Saints boss now has a very bloated squad as Sport Republic have struggled to offload a number of players who do not have a future at the club this summer.
Fortunately for Southampton, transfer windows close later in the Netherlands, Belgium and Turkey which means exits could still be secured.
Kamaldeen Sulemana looks to have agreed a loan move to Ajax with an option to buy for £17 million but it is not yet clear if the transfer was completed prior to Monday’s deadline in the Netherlands.
There remains hope that a buyer can be found for Paul Onuachu and Armel Bella-Kothcap, with Turkey now the most likely destitution for both, but Southampton look to have agreed a deal for a player who was close to a move on Deadline Day.
Southampton agree loan-to-buy deal with Anderlecht for Samuel Edozie
Southampton signed Samuel Edozie from Manchester City in summer 2022, but it was last season in which he was really a feature of the side as he made 36 appearances in all competitions.
The 21-year-old found himself out of the team come the business end of the last campaign, though, and that has continued into the new season.
In fact, he has been overtaken by 18-year-old Sam Amo-Ameyaw in the winger pecking order and having failed to impress when handed a chance in the 5-3 Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City last week the decision was made to allow Edozie to play regularly elsewhere.
That looked to be at Rangers, but a late Deadline Day move collapsed leaving Edozie in the lurch.
Now, though, it appears that Edozie is set to get his move, as Belgian club Anderlecht have agreed a deal with Southampton.
That is according to journalist Sacha Tavolieiri, who posted on X: “Samuel Edozie set to be the last signing of RSC Anderlecht this summer!
“Agreement found with Saints on a loan with option to buy.
“Mauve making it up in order to be assured that they can add Edozie on the list to Europa League as this is the last detail pending.”
Edozie move to Anderlecht best for all parties
It is unclear at this stage the fee that has been negotiated should Anderlecht want to make Edozie’s loan permanent next summer.
However, this is a deal that makes a lot of sense for all parties.
For Southampton, they are offloading a player who was not likely to play much of a part this summer; especially given the Deadline Day arrivals of Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet.
- READ MORE: The real reason Russell Martin wants Southampton to sign ‘magic’ winger alongside Ryan Fraser
For Edozie, it is a chance to play regular football outside of the intense spotlight of the Premier League, as well as compete in Europe.
For Anderlecht, they are signing a talented young player who could yet prove to be a top player if he can iron out the inconsistencies in his game.
With that in mind, this looks like good business all round and Southampton will hope there are no unforeseen stumbling blocks this time around.