Southampton could look at targets beyond Matt O’Riley this summer after learning the Celtic midfielder’s price tag.
Southampton will aim to bolster their squad this summer in the transfer window after securing promotion back to the Premier League.
Russell Martin is preparing to lead his side to remain in the top flight beyond the 2024/25 campaign, with several targets already linked to St Mary’s.
Matt O’Riley was one talent said to be admired on the South Coast however, after learning his price tag, the Saints may want to look at cost-effective alternatives.
Southampton learn Celtic’s asking price for target Matt O’Riley
Celtic have reportedly asked for an eye-watering £50m from clubs to part ways with O’Riley, who was integral to the Hoops’ Scottish Premiership win, as per reports from Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist claimed that despite Martin being an admirer of his former player at MK Dons, the Saints may not have the means to facilitate a move for the 23-year-old due to Celtic’s remarkable asking price.
While O’Riley is a player who could take Southampton to the next level on their return to the top flight, there are more affordable alternatives that the South Coast club could eye.
Three players Southampton could target instead of O’Riley
Gustavo Hamer –
Captured by Sheffield United from Coventry City for £15m, Gustavo Hamer could be a player that the Saints could eye to bolster their options in creative midfield.
The 26-year-old suffered relegation with the Blades this season yet showed his ability in the top flight, contributing to 10 goals in what was a dismal campaign for Sheffield, via Sofascore.
In the 2022/23 Championship season, Hamer had a hand in 19 goals for Coventry, suggesting just how dangerous he can be in the final third.
The Dutchman could offer a different edge to O’Riley at a lower price, in what could be a strong deal to pursue for the Saints.
Jobe Bellingham –
Jobe Bellingham is reportedly a target for Southampton, with Premier League side Crystal Palace also eyeing the Sunderland starlet.
The midfielder had a strong season with the Black Cats, and could now be available for a rumoured £12m this summer however, there will be competition to sign the 18-year-old.
Contributing to eight goals in the 2023/24 campaign in the Championship, as per Sofascore, Bellingham is showing signs that he could reach greater heights at such a young age, in what could be an interesting prospect for Saints.
While the teenager is lacking the final third presence shown by O’Riley, investing in Bellingham could prove to be a stroke of genius in the future.
Sammie Szmodics –
Having spent the 2023/24 season in the Championship, Southampton will know all too well the threat of Sammie Szmodics.
The Blackburn Rovers star is said to sport an asking price of £20m this summer after contributing to 37 goals in all competitions over the campaign, via Transfermarkt.
Szmodics would be the dream figure to integrate into attacking midfield as an alternative to O’Riley, with the players having very similar approaches to play.
That being said, there would be some risk in the transfer as the 28-year-old is yet to experience the demands of the Premier League but based on his impact last term it could be a risk worth taking.