Southampton have acted decisively already this summer to resolve the loss of Stuart Armstrong in a very astute way.
Stuart Armstrong has been an integral part of the Southampton side for the past six years having joined from Celtic in 2018.
The creative midfielder was a real fan favourite for his driving runs, creativity and tendency to score long-range stunners but will depart when his contract expires at the end of June.
At 32, Armstrong was the oldest outfield player in Russell Martin‘s squad last season, so as well as his quality Southampton have lost an experienced presence in the dressing room.
However, the club look to have filled the void left by the Scotland international with some impressive business.
Adam Lallana a sensible addition to replace Stuart Armstrong
With Armstrong leaving the club for free, Southampton have acted swiftly to secure his replacement for no fee with Adam Lallana confirmed to be signing upon the expiration of his own contract at Brighton.
At 36, Lallana himself has experience in abundance and is a Champions League and Premier League winner, but he can also step into the side to play a very similar role to the departing Armstrong.
Whilst age is against him, Lallana still possesses real quality and his close control and eye for a pass mean he can provide the creative spark lost through Armstrong’s exit.
Although he has had injury problems across his career, Lallana played 30 games in all competitions for Brighton last season.
With fellow attacking midfielder Saman Ghoddos also set to join on a free from Brentford, Southampton have found a way in which they can manage Lallana’s minutes whilst rotating him with another decent option in the Iranian international.
Lallana versatility will be key for Southampton
Martin loves technically gifted players and it is likely he was incredibly keen to secure Lallana’s signature.
Whilst Lallana will likely predominantly line up as the most advanced midfielder next season, he can also play on either wing and as a false nine if Martin decides this is a tactic he wants to use.
Interestingly, though, Lallana has played as a holding midfield player at times at Brighton; Graham Potter identifying it as a position in which he could thrive.
Flynn Downes is not guaranteed to return next season following his impressive loan spell, but even if he does Southampton struggled when he was unavailable last campaign.
The main issue was the drop-off in quality in build-up, with Downes an expert in setting the tempo. However, in Lallana Martin could have a player equally as comfortable receiving off the defenders and getting Southampton ticking.
All in all, whilst it may not be the most exciting signing in the world, the capture of Lallana could prove to be really astute business for the Saints.