Southampton are going to have to find a replacement for Alex McCarthy this summer.
The goalkeeper has been surprisingly thrust into action following the injury to undisputed number one Gavin Bazunu.
McCarthy has been solid in the six games he has played since Bazunu’s injury and put in his best performance since his unexpected return to the side in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against West Brom.
The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer and, having spent most of the season not in Southampton‘s match day squad, will be moving on in the summer despite his recent contribution.
The experienced goalkeeper is not expected to be short of suitors given the combination of being available for free and counting towards the homegrown quota required in England and recent reports have suggested the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Celtic are all interested.
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With than in mind, here are three goalkeepers who could replace the former England international.
Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson could replace Alex McCarthy
With McCarthy leaving and Bazunu likely to be out well into next season, Southampton would be wise to sign a goalkeeper who can not only replace the outgoing veteran but also compete with Bazunu long-term.
Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson could well be that man and the ‘keeper is available for just £900k following the Millers’ Championship relegation.
Despite his side’s relegation, Johansson had an inspired campaign and earned international recognition for Sweden for his efforts.
Southampton fans witnessed first hand just how good the 25-year-old is with his heroics at St Mary’s in a 1-1 draw in October despite the Saints peppering his goal throughout.
Former Rotherham manager Matt Taylor could not speak highly enough about Johansson later that month, as he said: “He is a top goalkeeper at this level and potentially above and other leagues all over Europe so I don’t care about bigging him up because he can keep backing it up. He is an absolute superstar.”
One reason this deal may not happen is that Johansson is not the best with the ball at his feet and Russell Martin is keen for his goalkeeper to be confident in the build-up.
Southampton could target cut-price deal for Freddie Woodman
Freddie Woodman is a ‘keeper who seems to have been around forever, but is still only 27.
The godson of England manager Gareth Southgate, Woodman is currently plying his trade at Preston but could be an attractive option for Southampton with just a year left on his current deal.
That should mean the Saints would not have to spend too much of their summer budget on the England youth international when they know Bazunu will eventually return, but he is a good enough goalkeeper to provide adequate competition for the Irishman longer term.
Woodman has kept ten Championship clean sheets this season, conceding 63 goals in 44 games according to Transfermarkt.
McCarthy replacement could be fellow free agent
The Southampton hierarchy will undoubtedly be taking a keen look at the free agent market to replace the departing McCarthy.
The summer transfer window generally represents a merry-go-round of back-up goalkeepers as they are often only signed to short-terms deals and this off-season will not be any different.
With that in mind, Southampton could try and convince Fulham goalkeeper Marek Rodak to make the move to St Mary’s.
Rodak played a key part as Fulham were promoted to the Premier League in 2022 but has since found himself displaced by Bernd Leno.
The Slovakian is also 27, but has experience of getting out of the Championship should Southampton fall short in the play-offs.
Fulham do have the option to extend Rodak’s contract by a further year but it is unclear at this stage whether they will be activating that clause.