Southampton should target a move for a Championship player who scored against them last season to bolster their midfield ready for the Premier League.
Manager Russell Martin will look to reward the Southampton players who helped the club secure an instant return to the Premier League through the play-offs.
However, the Saints boss will know he cannot afford to be too sentimental as he prepares his squad for the jump in quality associated with the top flight and additions are undoubtedly needed this summer.
That work has already begun, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan deal made permanent and free agent Adam Lallana confirmed to be signing.
However, more recruits are needed and Southampton should be casting their eye over one of the most talented players in the Championship.
Southampton should consider move for Garbriel Sara
Flynn Downes is Southampton’s number one priority this summer, with the West Ham United player integral to the St Mary’s side being promoted whilst on loan last season.
However, it is not guaranteed Downes signs and, with Stuart Armstrong set to leave when his contract expires at the end of June and loanee Joe Rothwell returning to Bournemouth having failed to impress, Southampton look light in midfield.
Once Armstrong’s deal ends, Southampton will be left with Will Smallbone, Joe Aribo and Shea Charles as senior midfielders; Carlos Alcaraz also not expected to return following his Juventus loan.
Therefore, incomings are needed and the Saints should be targeting a move for Norwich City central midfielder Gabriel Sara.
The Brazilian signed for Norwich in July 2022, with the Canaries spending £10 million to buy him from São Paulo in his homeland.
However, with Norwich failing to reach the play-offs, Southampton could test their resolve with a bid for the 24-year-old.
Sara could see Southampton replace James Ward-Prowse
Sara is an all-action midfielder in a similar way to former Saints captain James Ward-Prowse.
Southampton have arguably not replaced Ward-Prowse since his move to West Ham in summer 2023, but in Sara they could sign a player who can perform a similar role but arguably has a higher ceiling on his potential.
Sara is also similar to Ward-Prowse in his set-price ability, with the Brazilian tending to take charge in all dead-ball scenarios due to his incredibly cultured left foot.
He has already experienced scoring at St Mary’s, too, with Sara netting Norwich’s second in the 4-4 thriller between the two clubs in August 2023.
A battling midfielder who maintains the flair you associate with South American players, Sara stared every league game for David Wagner’s Norwich last season; scoring 13 and assisting 14 in a remarkable individual campaign.
Teammate Kenny McLean was full of praise for Sara after a win over Cardiff City in February 2023, saying: “We got to grips with the game after Gabby got the game by the scruff of the neck and drove us forward.
“For the five minutes before his goal, he was really taking the game and dictating it. That’s where his game is at right now.
“When the manager [David Wagner] came in, he was really drumming it into him to be more aggressive, get up against people and he’s doing that.
“His quality has always been there. Early on, I think it was just consistency [lacking] with him, but now he’s showing that and for me he’s the full package.”
There are sure to be a number of Premier League clubs considering a move for Sara this summer and Southampton would be very wise to make sure they are one of them.
