SOUTHAMPTON
StrumSolo > 15/08/2013, 20:20
In: Victor Wanyama (Celtic, £12.5m), Dejan Lovren (Lyon, £8.5m).
Out: Vegard Forren (Molde FK, Undisclosed), Sam Hoskins (Yeovil, Free), Richard Chaplow (Millwall, Free), Steve de Ridder (Utrecht, Free), Ryan Dickson (Colchester, Free), Ben Reeves (MK Dons, Free), Frazer Richardson (Middlesbrough, Free), Dan Seaborne (Yeovil, Free).
Released: Danny Butterfield, Tommy Forecast.
Prediction: 10th
There’s no doubting the fact that Lovren and Wanyama are both bloody good signings for the Saints, and a few eyebrows were raised as each of them were announced. However, more additions are probably needed if they’re to live up to all the hype. You wouldn’t bet against Rickie Lambert having another strong season, but options are light up front and another striker should be a priority. A centre half who’s more Lovren and less Hooiveld would settle the nerves too.
Managing to keep hold of the likes of Shaw and Schneiderlin shouldn’t be sniffed at and Mauricio Pochettino seems to know what he’s doing. I can’t see why they won’t improve on last season. Top half, just about.