Despite selling the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Roméo Lavia and Valentino Livramento in the summer, Southampton managed to keep hold of a number of key players.
One such player was Kyle Walker-Peters, the right-back who has been capped by England as recently as 2022.
It was one of the surprises of the summer that Walker-Peters did not make a Premier League move but, with the transfer window reopening in January, it is still a very real possibility that the former Tottenham man does not go into the second half of the season a Southampton player.
With fellow right-back Livramento allowed to leave for Newcastle United in a deal worth an initial £32 million, it was clear that the Southampton hierarchy were desperate to ensure Walker-Peters stayed at the St Mary’s club for their new dawn in the Championship.
What’s the latest on Kyle Walker-Peters’ future?
Walker-Peters is surely the best full-back in the Championship this season and, after a somewhat slow start, the 26-year-old is now showing his quality on a weekly basis.
He is a vital component of a Southampton side aiming for promotion and this is reflected by the fact he has played every league minute of the season so far. After initially being deployed as an inverted full-back, Walker-Peters has looked back to his best since Russell Martin has allowed him to play as a touchline-hugging right-back; his one goal and two assists reflecting this.
Comfortable at either right-back or left-back, Walker-Peters is a solid defender but his biggest strength is his ability going forward. He forms combinations with his winger and loves to surge forward with the ball. With Adam Armstrong regularly deployed on the right of the Southampton attack this season, it is Walker-Peters’ job to maintain width on the right as Armstrong often ventures into central positions.
There are no concrete links with Premier League clubs, but it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which Walker-Peters is not on any top flight clubs’ January wish-list. Transfermarkt value the defender at approximately £19.3 million and with Walker-Peters approaching his prime this could represent astute business.
Could James Bree replace Walker-Peters?
As alluded to, it is Walker-Peters’ attacking ability that makes him such a valuable asset to Southampton. If the man brought to the south coast in 2019 were to leave, the club would have to find a replacement that offers a similar amount in attacking positions whilst also being a capable defender.
If you look at the players already within the squad, January signing James Bree has enjoyed his first consistent spell in the side since signing recently and is playing out of position at left-back. Bree was signed on the recommendation of Nathan Jones, who managed him at Luton Town, and was one of the biggest victims of Jones’ sacking in early February.
Bree is currently keeping Ryan Manning out of the side but is naturally a right-back and would be desperate for an opportunity to be Walker-Peters’ replacement. The 25-year-old represents a more cautious option than Walker-Peters and Southampton may have to tweak their tactics should Bree step into Walker-Peters’ shoes.
Could Southampton buy a Walker-Peters replacement in January?
Given that, if Walker-Peters were to depart, Bree would be the only natural senior right-back in the squad, it is likely Southampton would look at alternative options to add depth regardless. Martin knows the Championship well and is likely to have one or two players from the division in mind should the opportunity arise.
One such player may be Cody Drameh. Southampton were linked with a move for the Leeds United full-back in the summer but the 21-year-old joined Birmingham City on loan instead. Despite this move, Drameh’s Leeds contract expires in June 2024 and Southampton may test the waters in January.
Drameh would represent an attacking right-back in the mould of Walker-Peters and at such a young age could develop into a fine player under Martin’s guidance. The once-capped England under-21 international has two league assists to his name this season, the same as Walker-Peters, despite playing in a struggling side.
Whether is be Bree, Drameh, or someone else, it would be very difficult for Southampton to replace Walker-Peters and Martin will be desperate to convince the full-back to stay until at least the end of the season.