Southampton appear ready to dip into the January transfer market as they look to sustain their promotion push under head coach Tonda Eckert.
The demanding festive schedule could prove pivotal to the Saints’ hopes of keeping pace with the Championship’s leading contenders. Southampton face three away fixtures and just one home game between Boxing Day and January 4, a run that will severely test squad depth. While Eckert’s strongest XI is capable of competing with the division’s best, maintaining promotion form across such a congested period requires far more than 11 or 12 reliable players.
Eckert addresses January transfer plans
Supporters have long felt reinforcements are needed, with noticeable drops in performance following substitutions highlighting a lack of depth. Speaking ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Oxford United, Eckert delivered his most forthright comments since taking charge.
The 32-year-old stressed that any incoming business must be “spot on,” insisting recruitment is “not about filling gaps,” adding that Southampton already possess “excellent quality” within the squad. His remarks come amid growing speculation linking the Saints with highly rated Argentine centre-back Santiago Ramos Mingo from Bahia.
Areas for improvement becoming clearer
Eckert strongly hinted that transfer activity is already underway, describing recruitment as a “constant process” and confirming that several “options are on the table.” He suggested the club are targeting specific player profiles that would be “beneficial to the team.”
Attacking reinforcements remain a priority. Ross Stewart’s return to light training is encouraging, but Adam Armstrong cannot be expected to shoulder the goals alone, while Cameron Archer has struggled to make an impact in a supporting role. With Damion Downs potentially heading out on loan, teenage striker Nicholas Oyekunle could soon be the only alternative up front.
Goalkeeper recruitment appears less urgent following Gavin Bazunu’s improved form and comfort in possession, though some supporters would still welcome a more commanding presence between the posts.
Southampton head to Oxford United as favourites — a label Eckert believes should apply more often. “We are Southampton,” he said. “Hopefully many more games we go into as favourites.”
Oxford recently dismissed manager Gary Rowett and sit two points from Championship safety. Craig Short will take interim charge for the clash against the Saints.
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