Semmens on updated transfer strategy - 'Not big change but opportunity for one or two'

Saints confirmed the sale of chairman Gao Jisheng’s 80 per cent share to new company Sport Republic, formed by lead investor and Serbian media mogul Dragan Solak.

He is supported by co-founders Henrik Kraft and Rasmus Ankersen, who want to bring a new multi-club portfolio style enterprise with Saints as the centre-piece.

Under Gao, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has had to operate a club which lives within its means and sells much more than it is able to spend.

Former Saints majority shareholder Gao Jisheng

Yet, the Austrian has been able to keep Saints competitive in England’s top-flight – however, even with new owners supporters should not expect a Newcastle-style gung-ho approach to the upcoming transfer windows.

Asked what it means for Saints’ transfer plans, Semmens explained to BBC Radio Solent: “I think it's really important to answer that clearly.

“So I think the most important thing is we have a plan in place. We have a strategic plan – it’s sitting on my desk in front of me and that's what Sport Republic have bought into and we will continue on that path.

“So the transfer window, we will always do our way and you're very aware of that. But are we in a better position today than we were yesterday? Absolutely.

“It allows us to focus in on the things we're doing already potentially doing a bit quicker.

"As I think, I heard you say, as I was tuning in, the (Tino) Livramento, one is a really important one for us.”

Tino Livramento was signed from Chelsea's academy in the summer (Pic: PA)

He continued: “Does that give us an opportunity to do another one or two? Yes, it does.

“So I don't think you'll see a massive change in operations, but does it leave us in a better position than yesterday? Yes, it does.”

As well as just desiring more muscle in the transfer market, fans will also be concerned with the day-to-day finances of the club after a difficult two years.

Semmens has moved to confirm that the takeover improves the club’s situation.

“Yeah, I think it does,” he added. “It's very hard to answer that question without getting too technical.

“But I think the right way to answer is in the short term, yes. We are absolutely fine as we were, we’re progressing, but in our own way and I think this gives us short term security.

“It gives us absolutely clarity about where we are and security in the short term and long term.

“There are series’ of investments and multi club models and stuff that will allow us to be even better in the future. So, without doubt it leaves as in a much better financial situation.”