Southampton look set to make their third signing of the summer as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis was the first arrival, with the 22-year-old’s Manchester City loan made permanent for £20 million following promotion being confirmed.
On Friday, Southampton announced an emotional return to the club at which it all started for veteran Adam Lallana following the expiration of his Brighton contract.
Manager Russell Martin knows he has work to do this summer to get his squad ready for what will be a difficult season in the Premier League in which survival is the priority.
The club have made a strong start to the transfer window and now look set to add a third signing in the coming days which highlights that Martin knows the issues within his squad that need addressing.
Southampton set to sign Saman Ghoddos for free
Southampton are keen to utilise the free agent market to maximise the value they can get this summer and get their squad ready for the Premier League.
Lallana will join for free on a year-long contract which could see him move into coaching when the deal ends and now latest reports claim the club are set to secure Saman Ghoddos on a free transfer too.
Ghoddos has been at Brentford for four years but sees his contract with Thomas Frank’s side expire at the end of June.
Rather than sign new terms at the West London club, Iranian International Ghoddos looks set to sign for Southampton.
That is according to Varsesh Se via Footboll Skanalen, who say that the 30-year-old is keen to stay in the Premier League and Southampton have subsequently acted swiftly to agree personal terms with Ghoddos ahead of finalising a deal in the coming days.
Ghoddos deal shows Russell Martin keen to add experience
Whilst Harwood-Bellis is only at the beginning of his career, both Lallana and Ghoddos are at a stage in their careers there they have a wealth of knowledge to impart on an inexperienced Southampton side.
Both are internationals, and have a combined 342 Premier League appearances.
It is clear from both pieces of business that Martin is keen to add Premier League experience to his ranks, with the importance of players who have been there and done it not lost on the Saints boss.
When you add the fact that Ryan Fraser is expected to sign permanently this summer too, that is three players with a wealth of top level experience added to the ranks with minimal financial impact.
Ghoddos is a flexible player who can play as an attacking midfielder, winger or a striker and will give Martin a hard-working, attack-minded player who provides quality on the ball.
When the 52-cap Iran international signed for Burnley in 2020, Frank set out what Southampton fans can expect from Ghoddos as he said: “He will bring good attacking qualities in the final third.
“He is good in one-on-one situations, is a good crosser of the ball and makes very intelligent passes. Off the ball he will really help us in our pressing game.”
With the experience of Stuart Armstrong departing upon the expiration of his contract and Che Adams and Alex McCarthy potentially joining him, a move for Ghoddos could prove a really astute piece of business.