Southampton’s attacking target has opted for a loan move to a European side over the Saints.
Russell Martin’s side are slowly transitioning into a Premier League outfit that will hopefully be able to back-up their Championship play-off promotion of the 2023/24 season by cementing their spot in the top division.
Southampton have notably bolstered their options at centre-back, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis returning to the club following a successful loan period, whilst Ronnie Edwards also joined from League One side Peterborough United.
However, they still remain fairly light in squad depth across the side, particularly in midfield, despite the significant arrivals of Flynn Downes on a permanent deal following a brilliant spell at the club during the 2023/24 campaign, as well as veteran Adam Lallana returning to the side.
Strikers have also been targeted as a result of the lack of options, however Southampton may have to wait longer for their next confirmed attacker after one of their key targets decided to join a European side over the Saints.
Southampton lose out on striker target Youssoufa Moukoko
Southampton are set to miss out on striker target Youssoufa Moukoko, after he reportedly agreed to join Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille on loan from Borussia Dortmund, per Fabrizio Romano on X.
The Saints were initially interested, but faced ‘competition from Girona, Real Betis, Sevilla, Real Sociedad, and Stade Rennais’ before Olympique Marseille jumped in front of the chase for the attacker.
The 19-year-old already has an abundance of experience in the Bundesliga, something that would’ve been massively beneficial up front for Southampton’s starting side in the Premier League this season.
Southampton’s attacking depth must be corrected instantly
Southampton are incredibly scarce up-top, with Adam Armstrong and Paul Onuachu being the only strikers at the club who may be able to potentially make a difference at Premier League level.
Former Sunderland goalscorer Ross Stewart is also in and around the squad during pre-season, however he was not present at the recent open training session held at St Mary’s amid ongoing doubts over his future at Southampton.
Defensively, Martin has been able to set his side up incredibly with some shrewd business this summer, but the struggles this season will be sourced from the potential lack of goalscoring ability and assurance at the highest level.
With it being uncertain that Armstrong can live up to his exceedingly high expectations set last season, as well as new signing Ben Brereton-Diaz struggling to hit the ground running at Premier League level last season, there must be some urgency on Southampton’s part in ensuring that a proven goalscorer is brought in this summer before the 2024/25 campaign.