With the start of the 2016/17 Premier League season less than two weeks away, Premier League correspondent Richard Jolly provides his previews for each club. Here he looks at Southampton.
• More: See all of Richard's previews
Another summer, another sell-off. The annual exodus at St Mary’s has seen manager Ronald Koeman, striker Graziano Pelle, winger Sadio Mane and midfielder Victor Wanyama go and around £55 million (Dh266.1m) arrive in exchange.
Southampton have excelled in recruiting both players and managers in recent years, so there should be no sense of panic, but, after finishing in a higher position than the previous year in each of the last seven seasons, the temptation is to wonder if that period of incremental improvement will end.
In Claude Puel, who took Nice to fourth in Ligue 1 on comparatively limited resources, they look to have hired the right sort of manager.
Nathan Redmond brings pace and incision and may prove a like-for-like replacement for Mane and, in the January buy Charlie Austin, they may have planned for Pelle’s eventual departure.
It would help, though, if Jay Rodriguez were to find the form and fitness that enabled him to score 15 league goals in the season before a two-year injury nightmare: Shane Long managed 10 last season but, for all his unselfish work, may struggle to replicate that.
But while there is quality in the starting 11, Puel has a task to ensure Southampton do not slip down the table.
• The National's Premier League section: All the latest from the Premier League, including news, interviews, features, and much more
Key Man: Jose Fonte
Showed his ability as a defender to help Portugal win Euro 2016. The captain’s leadership skills may as more important, though, as Southampton look to regroup under a new manager and following sales.
Pivotal Signing: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
The 20-year-old Dane caught Pep Guardiola’s eye at Bayern Munich and, at £12.8 million (Dh61.9m), represents a big buy for Southampton. He looks certain to anchor the midfield.
Point to Prove: Jordy Clasie
A favourite of Koeman’s, the Dutchman had an underwhelming, injury-hit first year at St Mary’s. He has been linked with moves elsewhere after Hojbjerg’s arrival, but should stay and show his class.
Crucial Factor: The marquee matches
Koeman beat both Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool last season. If Puel can get results in similarly glamorous games, it will help show is a worthy replacement for the highly-rated Dutchman.
Predicted finish: 10th
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
