SPORT Republic CEO Rasmus Ankersen revealed he is leading the recruitment process for Saint this January and moved to update supporters on the club’s strategy.

Saints have already completed two signings during the opening 12 days of the winter window with Mislav Orsic, 30, and Charly Alcaraz, 20, penning deals.

Ankersen, taking an active role following the unexpected departure of head of recruitment Joe Shields this season, has experience in recruitment from roles at FC Midtjylland and Brentford.

Saints are looking to strengthen in central defence and in attack as priorities, while they could also seek short-term cover for the likes of injured Tino Livramento.

And speaking during a lengthy interview with BBC Radio Solent, Ankersen explained: “It’s something that we’re working on 24/7 at the moment and hopefully we can make a few more additions to the team.

“We want to give Nathan the firepower he needs to improve the team and achieve the objective of staying in the league.

“January is always a tough window but we are doing our best and I am pleased that we managed to get two players we really like in early. It’s back to work really,” he added.

“In this particular window, I am leading the recruitment process because Joe Shields left. This is not something that I’m going to continue to do, I will definitely be involved but when we get a new director of football and head of recruitment in the biggest job will be running this process.

“I have some experience doing it but it’s really important that what is in the mind of the manager, in terms of what we need to improve the team, is reflected in what we look for in the market. There is a direct line of communications between Nathan and in this case me, leading the recruitment.

“It’s also surrounded by a real governance process, it’s not just me making decisions on who to sign – we have a transfer committee of myself, Martin Semmens, Henrik Kraft and Toby Steele, all with different skillsets to assess the information produced by the scouting team to make a decision in line with the club’s strategy and budget.”

Saints made 10 signings in the summer transfer window, which was the first active window since Sport Republic purchased the club just over 12 months ago.

Of those who have entered the playing squad, only Duje Caleta-Car and Joe Aribo, in their mid-twenties, brought real top-level playing experience with them.

The likes of Manchester City quartet Gavin Bazunu, 20, Romeo Lavia, 19, Samuel Edozie, 19, and Juan Larios, 18, were all set to make their first steps at Premier League level.

“I’m not sure I agree that it was extreme as you say because we did not only bring in young players, we brought in Joe Aribo and Duje Caleta-Car who are established international players,” Ankersen responds.

“We really only lost one starting XI player (Oriol Romeu) with experience, who had the desire to leave and we chose to accept that. Looking back, you’d like to have a player like that around now. But the reason we buy young, talented players is not just because we are all about making some profits.

“We actually believe that if Southampton is going to get back into the top 10 then we need to take a slightly more long-term view than just only thinking about survival and recruiting ready-made players, which is very expensive and has a lot of risks as well.

“It’s a strategy in line with Southampton, turning potential into excellence, and that is what is reflected in the strategy. Do we always get it right? No. But I think we have some really exciting young talents who can be among the world’s best.”

Ankersen continued: “It’s always a balance and we knew this year would be a little bit of a risk, but if we could get through it we would be very strong and push on.

“The window in January is a bit of a function of the league position, but at the same time, we don’t lose the long-term objective and still try to buy players with long-term value. But it is the short-term impact right now that is important, let’s be clear about that.

“I’m not sure if it is fair to say it’s repairing what we have done, but it’s an extra consideration looking at the league table and having to do everything we can to stay in the Premier League.”

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.