da wazamba： Its déjà vu for Saints fans as once again, a brilliant manager departs for a Premier League rival and their best players head off in search of Champions League football or a huge pay-out.
da esport bet： The new man tasked with repeating the success of Koeman, Pochettino and Adkins at Southampton is Claude Puel, a little known Frenchman who has had recent success with Nice in Ligue 1. While some Saints fans will be scratching their heads, trying to work out this curious appointment, those who know Puel will see the job as a perfect fit.
The 54-year-old has a great track record of improving a clubs fortunes, whilst also bringing the very best out of young players and former stars who want to get their careers back on track.
However, his task of achieving a top six finish may be a challenging one. Here are the six stars that he may need to add to the Saints squad in order to fulfil the club directors’ ambitions…
Thomas Partey
In what has been seen by many as a direct replacement candidate for Victor Wanyama, Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey has been linked with Southampton recently.
The 23-year-old Ghanian is a tall, strong defensive midfielder who has a wealth of top flight experience, despite his age.
However, Atletico hold ‘Thomas’ in high regard and it is thought that they would only accept a bid if the offer was a season-long loan.
Wilfried Bony
With Graziano Pelle seemingly headed for the wealth ridden pool of the Chinese Super League, Southampton are on the hunt for a new striker…and who better to consider than Wilfried Bony,
The Ivorian has been an untold disappointment since joining Manchester City. However, he has been given very little game time and was often utilised incorrectly under Manuel Pellegrini.
You only need to look at the archives to see how superbly the 27-year-old did in his time at Swansea. With Bony seemingly not in Pep Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad, Southampton should seriously consider a man who still has plenty to give at the top level.
Cristian Tello
Recent reports have suggested that Southampton have joined a number of clubs in enquiring for Barcelona winger Cristian Tello.
The 24-year old spent last season on loan at Porto and Fiorentina and was widely impressive at both clubs.
Valued at around £15 million, the Spaniard would be a relative steal considering he has played over 50 times for Barcelona, during which time he impressed alongside Lionel Messi and co.
Saido Berahino
The Berahino transfer train has rolled into town once again, as the 22-year-old has declined a new four-year deal with West Brom, with the striker desperate to leave the Hawthorns once and for all.
While Berahino’s tantrums and inconsistent performances for the Baggies have not helped his cause in searching for a new club, the raw talent that the youngster has in abundance, is too hard to ignore.
Southampton would be the ideal destination for Berahino, who will be surrounded with young English talent and an exciting brand of football.
Vincent Koziello
Vincent Koziello will likely be a new name to most reading this article but the young star is a household name in France, after an impressive season with Nice in Ligue 1.
The attacking midfielder is a diminutive figure on the pitch, but is a phenomenally hard-worker, displaying stamina rarely seen outside of a marathon. His performances in France last season led him to being voted runner-up in the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
Claude Puel has overseen the development of Koziello for a number of years and would undoubtedly want to continue their relationship at St. Mary’s.
Dennis Praet
Before Ronald Koeman left for Merseyside, Southampton were heavily linked with Belgian midfielder Dennis Praet.
The 22-year-old is currently with Anderlecht but is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, especially after missing out on call-up to the Belgian European Championship squad.
The youngster is supremely talented with the ball at his feet and provides excellent link up play between the midfield and attack.
At a quoted price of just £10 million, Praet would be more than worth a gamble.