Despite an impressive season for the Saints, finishing 6th in the League which will see Europa League football played at St Mary’s next season, fans in the Football Transfer Tavern have once again seen high profile players leave the club; a common theme in Southampton’s transfer activity over the last few years.

Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane have left already this Summer and this may come at much frustration but no surprise for Saints fans, who have seen key players such as Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Calum Chambers, Dejan Lovren, Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne leave for big money moves in recent transfer windows, to name a few.

Saints fans should not be fearful however. A large part of the club’s continued progression since promotion in 2012 has been thanks to their recruitment policy, which has been able to seamlessly replace proven stars who have been sold on for large profit.

However, with Europa League football waiting and the competitiveness of the Premier League predicted to be stronger than ever before, Southampton have much work to do this summer. If they plan to replace key names and bolster their squad for the upcoming season, they will look across Europe’s strongest leagues for players that can continue and improve the clubs progress under new boss Claude Puel.

Here are 5 Bundesliga players on Southampton’s radar…

Niklas Sule

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmZRPhM-rSo

Niklas Sule is a potential long term answer to Southampton’s central defensive issues; whilst Van Dijk was a vital player for Saints last season, captain Jose Fonte is coming to the latter years of his career and there is not much quality in depth.

At just 20 years of age, the 6ft. 5″ defender has played over 60 times for Hoffenheim, impressing scouts with his athleticism and aggression. Predicted as a future German international, he will be targeted by many clubs this summer; but could be lured by guaranteed European football at St Mary’s.

Salif Sane

With Saints no longer having the luxury of Victor Wanyama in midfield, they will be keen to replace him with a player capable of bossing the midfield; Frenchman Sane is a solid option if Saints were to make a move.

He is a similar player to that of Wanyama and would be an ideal replacement. Strong in the tackle, Sane has been consistently impressive for Hannover 96, as one of their key players in recent years but would surely be open to the idea of a switch to the Premier League.

Sven Bender

Despite this potential transfer providing more competition from other clubs, a move for the German does not seem as audacious as it may have been in previous years.

Bender has enjoyed much success with Dortmund in his 7 years there, especially under Jurgen Klopp, but he is no longer guaranteed a place in the starting Xl and will be considering his options this summer.

Southampton would offer European football and a move to the Premier League would be tempting for most players. A player of the German’s calibre would be an improved replacement in the defensive midfield position left void by Victor Wanyama and Saints should be considering players like Bender if they want to improve next season.

Leon Goretzka

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDBdk-jZtns

Another young German talent, Goretzka has caught the eye of many Premier League clubs over the last few seasons. A tall midfielder with a great range of passing, he would be an ideal midfield player for Saints since they are looking to add genuine quality to their squad.

There is no doubt Saints would have the funds for the Schalke man, who has captained Germany of various occasions at youth level.

St. Mary’s may be the ideal place for the 21-year-old to continue his development, rather than a club where he is not guaranteed regular football as Saints look to improve on last season’s impressive 6th finish.

Neven Subotic

There is no reason why Saints can not compete for players such as Subotic, who has already expressed his intentions to leave this Summer in search of regular first team football drawing the attention of many clubs across Europe.

The 27-year-old would offer experience and quality in the back line, having featured in the Champions League for Dortmund and a transfer to Southampton isn’t out of the question.

His wages would be no issue for the South Coast outfit as they prepare for European football next season and a regular starting position would be waiting for a player of his quality.

Saints fans, we want to hear from you! What have you made of this list? Have we missed anyone off? Let us know in the comments below…