It has not been the Championship return Southampton were hoping for at the halfway point of the season.
The Saints currently sit 11th in the table, with the highly anticipated appointment of Will Still yet to deliver the desired lift in results.
Despite the January transfer window still being over a week away, speculation is already growing around possible arrivals and departures at St Mary’s. Football League World rounds up the latest developments below.
contract issue could prevent Damion Downs exit
Damion Downs arrived in the summer amid plenty of excitement, joining Southampton from Köln in a £6.4m move. However, the 21-year-old is already being linked with a potential exit.
Florian Plettenberg reports that several Bundesliga clubs are monitoring Downs, with the forward keen to boost his World Cup prospects after earning six caps for the USMNT. That ambition may be difficult to fulfil having made just one Championship start so far.
According to Plettenberg, the main obstacle to any move is Downs’ long-term contract, which runs until 2029. Capology estimates his wages at £12,500 per week, with additional bonuses worth up to £162,500 per year.
Southampton scouting Brazilian leagues
A report from Spanish outlet Sport claims Southampton are one of four clubs battling for Santiago Ramos Mingo.
The 24-year-old centre-back currently plays in Brazil’s top flight with FC Bahia and is originally from Argentina. Lyon, PSV and Besiktas are also said to be tracking the defender.
Ramos Mingo is a left-footed centre-back known for his pace and comfort in possession, and previously spent time in Barcelona’s youth system.
Ross Stewart injury update after lengthy lay-off
Ross Stewart’s Southampton career has been heavily disrupted by injuries since his arrival from Sunderland in the summer of 2023, with another setback occurring earlier this season against Derby County.
A hamstring issue ruled the striker out for a prolonged spell, as confirmed by Will Still in October, following his longest run of appearances for the club across nine consecutive matches.
Ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Oxford United, head coach Tonda Eckert confirmed Stewart has returned to training but remains some distance from a competitive return.
Having made just 27 appearances for the Saints and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Stewart faces a crucial few months to secure his future at the club.
Frank Lampard keeping close eye on Southampton midfielder
Coventry City boss Frank Lampard has admitted he has been closely watching Southampton midfielder Leo Scienza.
Speaking after the match, Lampard praised the summer signing, saying he was surprised by the player’s quality after watching Southampton footage earlier in the season. He described Scienza as a high-level performer and credited Saints recruitment for securing him.
With Coventry emerging as promotion contenders, Lampard’s comments may raise concern for mid-table Southampton.
While a January exit for Scienza appears highly unlikely given his recent arrival from Heidenheim, interest could resurface if Coventry earn promotion and the Saints fail to follow suit. History suggests promoted sides often target standout Championship performers, and Scienza could yet attract further attention.
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