Southampton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the 2018/19 Premier League season, what with their side sincerely hoping for better after a testing campaign last term.
The Saints were embroiled in a relegation battle for much of last season and only got out of it in the final few weeks of the campaign, what with Mark Hughes steadying the ship after a turbulent time under Mauricio Pellegrino earlier in the season. Yet the ex-Stoke City boss fulfilled the brief of keeping the club in the top-flight by eventually leading them to a 17th place finish, ending up three points clear of the bottom three.
As such, there are many expectant Saints fans around the country hoping for much better from their side this term, and based on their summer window so far, they have every reason to be optimistic about a return to the top ten, and indeed a possible European push.
Hughes has added four new faces in the form of Stuart Armstrong, Angus Gunn, Mohamed Elyounoussi, and Jannik Vestergaard in a bid to plug obvious gaps in his squad, yet it is just as important that the South Coast outfit also retain several of their most prized assets over the summer, as failure to do so would undo all their great work.
In fact, the Saints really must keep hold of these TWO stars if they are to challenge for the European places this term…
While he may not have enjoyed his best campaign last time round, Ryan Bertrand has on the whole been a hugely consistent performer for Southampton, and as such become one of the most reliable left backs in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has appeared 147 times for the South Coast club since making the move from Chelsea on loan initially in 2014 and then permanently a year later, with his efforts thrusting him to the top of the England left back pecking order, hence his tally of nine caps in 2017.
And while his below-par season last term ultimately cost him a place in the World Cup squad for this summer, there is little doubting Bertrand’s capabilities as one of the best left backs in the division, which is why the Saints really must seek to keep him beyond the August 9 deadline.
While several Southampton players should reflect on a below-par season last time round, summer signing Mario Lemina is one that can hold his head high after a fine campaign.
The 24-year-old made the move to St Mary’s after a two-year spell at Juventus and his class in the middle park was immediately evident, thus prompting him to earn 25 Premier League appearances for the club.
In fact, Lemina’s exploits in the heart of the Saints midfield has reportedly attracted attention from other top-flight clubs, but at the age of 24 and with still plenty to offer, it’s imperative that the South Coast outfit rebuff all interest and retain the Gabon international beyond the summer deadline.
