RALPH Hasenhuttl has confirmed that he doesn’t “think anyone wants to leave,” and is gearing up to take the same Saints squad into the second-half of the Premier League season.
The boss admitted that Saints will not be actively going after any targets in the January transfer window and will only operate on a one out, one in basis.
The St Mary’s outfit signed eight players during the summer window and then added one more to their squad in December, with the free signing of goalkeeper Willy Caballero – who could have his short-term deal extended beyond January.
Hasenhuttl has spoken freely about how pleased he was with the summer business Martin Semmens and co were able to do despite limited investment from higher-ups.
And asked if he has plans for the upcoming window, he responded: “Not really, I’m not a big friend of the January transfer window.
“I don’t think that anyone wants to leave, if they do then we will have to sit together and we will take somebody new.
“We will have a look but like always are very relaxed at this time of year because I think we have done a good job in the summer and we can look forward to good games with this team.”
The likes of Chelsea academy youngsters Tino Livramento and Armando Broja have been some of his side’s best performers in England’s top-flight this campaign.
But most importantly, Hasenhuttl feels that Saints have struck the right chord when it comes to balance – and he adds that they likely won’t change that balance but will only move to correct it if it is disturbed.
Two of the summer signings, Dynel Simeu and Thierry Small, were added to bring more potential to Saints’ B team and are yet to make a senior appearance – having appeared on the bench in the latest match versus Spurs.
Meanwhile, the full potential of Lyanco and Romain Perraud is yet to be seen after the pairing have had to be patient with first-team chances, as they battle competition.
As a result, Hasenhuttl feels as though his current squad is only improving and – given their current standing in the league, 13th and just seven points from European places – doesn’t need to be added to, in order to fulfil the club’s short-term targets.
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