What to expect from Southampton's January transfer window

Saints finished 2023 on a run of 17 Championship matches unbeaten and are just two shy of the club's all-time league record. 

Manager Russell Martin, appointed by director of football Jason Wilcox and owners Sport Republic last summer, has Saints third in the league. 

Saints will not be as busy as they were 12 months ago when they were attempting to stave off Premier League relegation.

The cost of the summer and January spending is felt this season due to the drop in revenue and tightening of Financial Fair Play regulations in the EFL. 

CEO Phil Parsons, head of recruitment Darren Mowbray, Wilcox and Martin know any money spent in January will need to be recouped if they do not win promotion.

Saints look assured of at least a top-six finish but they are tantalisingly close to automatic promotion after recent results. 

Just three points keep Ipswich Town ahead of Saints after 25 matches, although the St Mary's side must still visit all three other sides in the top four.

Here is what we expect from Saints ahead of the window shutting at 11pm on February 1... 

Saints CEO Phil Parsons is in control of the budget

What have Martin and Parsons said ahead of the window opening?

Parsons, in a recent matchday programme, has already let supporters know what to expect from the window. 

He said: "In the new year, myself, Russell, Jason and our owners will be trying to keep the squad as stable as possible to keep the momentum going.

"We will make sure the club is financially safe and won't gamble the future by spending over the odds on players, especially given the constraints of FFP."

Speaking to the Daily Echo last week, Martin added: "We are prepared. The wheels are truly in motion for what we are trying to do.

"I don’t think you can do any more than that. The rest is on the other clubs and potential movement here.

“We have spent a lot of hours over the last two months trying to prepare for what is thrown up.”

Saints manager Russell Martin wants to keep his squad together (Image: Stuart Martin)

What signings could Saints make this month? 

The majority of links ahead of the window have highlighted one particular profile of player; a right-sided winger available on loan.

Saints attempted to sign Sunderland's Patrick Roberts on deadline day in the summer after Martin declared his desire for a Nathan Tella replacement. 

As a result, the club are set to revive a pursuit for that profile of player now the January window is open. 

A loan is most likely due to the FFP constraints on the club with several already linked by reports in recent weeks.

Burnley's Manuel Benson, who scored 12 goals in 33 Championship appearances last season, is one option considered by the club, the Daily Echo confirmed.

The 26 year old winger is out of Vincent Kompany's squad this season however a deal is not advanced and Saints may be forced to pursue a different option. 

AFC Bournemouth's David Brooks was another name touted with the Welshman likely keen to get regular game time ahead of this summer's European Championships.

Liverpool have recalled Fabio Carvalho with Saints reportedly interested and Manchester United's Amad Diallo was also linked briefly.

However, Saints are not going to spend figures quoted in the region of £30million for Juventus winger Matias Soule, who was linked by reports in Italy. 

Saints would also only sign a new number nine, despite £10million Ross Stewart's lengthy injury, if they need to replace outgoing forwards.

Stewart, 27, made his return from Achilles surgery in November but was subsequently ruled out for the rest of the season by a hamstring injury. 

Saints were linked to Danny Ings and this was not completely rubbished however unlikely, while West Ham's circumstances have also since altered his availability.

Martin remains happy with his striking options providing there are no departures in this position. Martin has good depth in goal, in defence and in midfield.

The club are also hoping to confirm the addition of future under-21 stars this month, with academy recruiters working hard to land signings. 

Academy staff have identified the Irish markets as potential sources of good value. Players from the Republic of Ireland can only sign once they have turned 18. 

Manuel Benson helped Burnley to the Championship title last season (Image: PA)

What players could exit Saints this month?

Scottish international Adams has scored in his last two appearances and could attract interest from Premier League clubs. 

The 26 year old has just six months left on his contract at St Mary's and has not signed a new deal on the table for him since August. 

Martin has publically insisted the plan is to keep Adams this season. The club will sanction an exit if they receive an offer too good to refuse.

Sekou Mara has also been linked with a loan move away having not started a Championship fixture since the 5-0 defeat to Sunderland. 

However, the injury to Stewart has meant Mara is a regularly used substitute, appearing in six of the last seven games scoring once and assisting another. 

Defender Mason Holgate could be recalled to parent club Everton after making just five appearances under Martin this season.

The 27 year old won man of the match on his last appearance, against West Brom in November, but the return to fitness of Jack Stephens now limits his opportunity.

Martin insisted Saints would not ‘be forced’ to sign a new player to replace Holgate if he did depart, with the depth already in the squad, but could.

Saints plan to keep their squad together this winter and are not under pressure to sell players such as Kyle Walker-Peters.

It would require a huge offer to sanction the mid-season exit of the defender, who has been softly linked to the likes of West Ham and Chelsea. 

Che Adams has just six months left on his Saints contract (Image: Stuart Martin)

Our verdict... 

A good January window for Saints would be keeping their entire squad together, albeit allowing Holgate to return to Everton should he wish. 

Adding a wide forward on loan allows Saints to boost their firepower and cover in case of injuries without putting financial security on the line. 

Saints have shown they can score the required goals, scoring in 18 consecutive matches and netting 12 in their last four outings.

However, should Adams leave the club this month, they are primed to replace him - and will need to do so effectively within the constraints of FFP.