There are now just days left for Russell Martin to finalise his Southampton squad, with the transfer window due to shut at 11pm on Friday.
Russell Martin has already seen 11 first-team signings added to his Southampton ranks this summer, but is expected to push for one or two more to boost the club’s Premier League survival chances.
Despite so many incomings, it could be argued that Southampton’s starting XI is not much better than the one that finished fourth in the Championship last season.
In the opening two games of the new season – 1-0 defeats to Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest – only two players not at the club last season have started, with Ben Brereton Diaz and Yukinari Sugawara the chosen duo.
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That is a worry for the Saints and Martin’s transfer priority ahead of Deadline Day has now been revealed.
Russell Martin keen to strengthen Southampton attack after two Premier League blanks
Southampton are yet to score this season despite dominating possession in both of their Premier League fixtures.
Adam Armstrong had his best season as a Saints last campaign with 37 goal contributions but his previous struggles to make an impact in the Premier League have so far continued.
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Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer have both signed too, with the duo both playing for relegated Sheffield United last season.
The attacking areas need resolving and The Times claim that this is an issue Martin is all too aware of in their review of what each Premier League club is likely to want in the remaining days of the transfer window.
The Times’ Gary Jacob explained: “Two straight defeats and no goals so far from 24 shots, five of which were on target, have highlighted why Russell Martin wants to strengthen his attack.
“He previously tried to sign Armando Broja, the Chelsea forward who scored six league goals on loan during the 2021-22 season.”
There was some good news, though, as Jacob added: “Southampton are close to signing Justin Bijlow, the 26-year-old goalkeeper from Feyenoord, after Ramsdale rejected a move from Arsenal.”
Southampton must find way to create chances or face Premier League relegation
Southampton played the majority of their opening game of the season against ten men after Fabian Schar was sent off in the 28th minute for an altercation with Ben Brereton Diaz.
This helped the Saints to have 78% possession in the match, but they were unable to make it count against a resolute Newcastle defence.
More was expected in the first home game of the season against Forest, but again Martin’s side struggled to break down a solid defensive unit and managed a meagre one shot on target across the 90 minutes.
This is clearly a real problem and Martin must find a way to get his side to find more fluidity in the final third.
He will hope those efforts are helped by one or two incomings ahead of the weekend but something needs to change quickly if Southampton are to score goals in the Premier League.