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Two Transfers That Southampton Are Expected To Complete In The Summer

Southampton boss Claude Puel

Two Transfers That Southampton Could Complete In The Summer

Southampton’s first season under new manager Claude Puel was a mixed bag in many ways. The Saints reached the EFL Cup finals and were slightly unlucky to lose to Manchester United. They finished the Premier League at 8th place, which would be considered a decent finish. But when you take a look at their past two seasons, it does feel a bit of a let-down.

In the 2015/16 campaign, Southampton finished at 6th place, qualifying for UEFA Europa League and had managed to collect a whopping 17 points more than what they did this time around. Had a few results on the final day of the season hadn’t gone their way, they would have found themselves in the lower half of the table.

So, it is no wonder that the position of Puel is under scrutiny ahead of next campaign. However, Southampton would want to get it out of the way as soon as possible as the transfer window opens. Here are two transfer deals that they are expected to complete in the upcoming transfer window:

Ridgeciano Haps From AZ Alkmaar

The 23-year old AZ Alkmaar left-back has been heavily linked with a move to the St.Mary’s amidst reports that Ryan Bertrand could be leaving the club in the summer.

Haps has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Dutch Eredivisie owing to his excellent performances for Alkmaar, helping them to a 6th-placed finish in the league. The Utrecht-born defender made a total of 49 appearances for his team, finishing with 1 goal and 4 assists and 2 Man-of-the-Match awards.

A strong tackler and an astute defender, Haps also has the pace and the dribbling abilities to romp forward and help his team out in attack. Southampton have had a good record with players brought in from the Dutch leagues in recent times – Graziano Pelle, Dusan Tadic, Cuco Martina a few examples, and they may be onto another serious talent on Haps.

Ruben Semedo From Sporting CP

The 23-year old Portuguese defender was on the radar of the Saints summer and it seems that they are set to revive their interest once again in the upcoming transfer window.

Semedo has established himself as a regular in the Sporting squad over the past year and a half and played 31 games across all competitions. Tall and strong, with all-round defensive abilities and some good passing ability of the ball from the back as well, he could be the ideal man to replace the outgoing Virgil van Dijk, who continues to be linked away from Southampton.

The Portuguese may not have a wealth of experience but has done enough to show that he can take over the mantle of the defence in place of Van Dijk. And add to it the fact that he can also easily play as a defensive midfielder. This provides the Saints with options as well. A €45 million release clause in his contract may complicate matters, but it is possible for Southampton to get him for a much lesser price.