Russell Martin’s Southampton future is uncertain after a report emerged linking him to Brighton and Hove Albion.
FootballTransfers ran a story last night claiming that Brighton held discussions with Martin during the international break.
Roberto De Zerbi is expected to depart the Seagulls at the end of the season and Martin is being targetted as his successor.
The Saints boss was born in Brighton and played in their academy as a youth player, which is why technical director David Weir likely views him as a natural fit.
With that said, if he does leave Southampton in the summer, here are three replacements the club should consider.
Liam Rosenior
Liam Rosenior is well-regarded in the game for the job he’s done at Hull City, turning them from a bottom-half side to play-off candidates.
The former Derby caretaker has implemented an attractive style of play at the Humberside outfit, similar to that of Martin’s.
Rosenior has been nominated for the EFL Championship manager of the season, alongside Leeds United’s Daniel Farke and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, so he’d certainly represent an exciting appointment and one with great promise.
Graham Potter
This one would certainly require Saints to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Graham Potter has been out of work since his sacking at Chelsea just over a year ago and it seems he’s biding his time in deciding his next club.
Given the impressive job he did at Brighton prior to his disappointing Blues tenure, he’d probably be reluctant to step down to the Championship.
He’ll be eager to right those wrongs in his next endeavour and given his emphasis on promoting young talent, he seems a suitable option for the South Coasters, who pride themselves on their prestigious Staplewood academy.
Carlos Coberan
Carlos Coberan was Marcelo Bielsa’s right-hand man at Leeds United and since becoming a manager himself, he’s gathered some invaluable experiences.
His first job came at Huddersfield Town, where he led the West Yorkshire outfit to the Championship play-off final, before narrowly suffering defeat to Nottingham Forest.
A brief spell at Olympiacos ensued before joining West Bromwich Albion in October 2022. Coberan has established the Baggies as genuine promotion contenders this season, as they reside in fifth.
So indeed, his availability will largely depend on whether West Brom gain promotion, which they have every chance of achieving.
In fact, as it stands, they’ll be facing Southampton in the play-off semi-finals.