Southampton avoided a setback by not signing the ‘unbelievable’ star Eckert had wanted.

A Mixed Summer Transfer Window

Southampton’s summer transfer window has ended with a feeling of disappointment among supporters, particularly because several areas of the squad appear short on depth. While the Saints have retained several important players and added some quality, there are still weaknesses that could become significant as the season develops.

After everything that happened during the Spygate saga, many Southampton supporters would probably have been surprised to hear that Daniel Peretz, Cyle Larin, Caspar Jander and Leo Scienza would all remain at St Mary’s beyond the transfer deadline. That has now become reality.

However, keeping those players does not completely hide the squad’s shortcomings. Southampton may possess one of the strongest starting line-ups in the Championship when everyone is available, but maintaining that strength throughout a demanding season could prove difficult.

Southampton Still Have Ground to Recover

The Saints began the campaign with a four-point deduction, meaning Tonda Eckert’s team already had ground to make up before the season properly got underway.

Because of that disadvantage, Southampton arguably needed an outstanding transfer window, perhaps a nine or ten out of ten, to feel completely confident about their automatic promotion prospects.

Instead, the window could reasonably be judged around six or seven out of ten.

There have certainly been positives. Southampton managed to move on a significant amount of unwanted or surplus personnel, with players leaving either permanently or through loan agreements. However, the club also lost two important members of the squad that helped produce a lengthy unbeaten run during the 2025-26 campaign.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Shea Charles both departed, leaving major gaps to fill.

Harwood-Bellis Replacement Remains a Concern

Southampton’s answer to losing Harwood-Bellis has been the arrival of Nottingham Forest youngster Zach Abbott on loan, while James Ward-Prowse has returned to the club as the replacement for Charles.

Eckert will be hoping Abbott can quickly prove himself capable of handling Championship football. The 20-year-old will have to make a major adjustment, having only featured in 13 senior matches during his career with Forest.

The German coach will also expect Nathan Wood and Jack Stephens to raise their performances alongside new signing Keven Schlotterbeck.

There is no guarantee, though, that Abbott can immediately reproduce what Harwood-Bellis offered. The England international was not only an important defender but also one of Southampton’s leaders during their impressive run last season.

Ward-Prowse Brings Experience and Leadership

The loss of Charles could also be felt because of the physical presence and attacking contribution he provided from midfield.

Nevertheless, Southampton have brought back a player with considerable experience, quality and character in Ward-Prowse. His pedigree and mentality should provide Eckert with an experienced figure capable of influencing games and helping the younger members of the squad.

The Saints will need those qualities, particularly considering the pressure created by their points deduction and the expectation that they should challenge for promotion.

Southampton’s Attack Looks Weaker

One of the biggest concerns following the transfer window is Southampton’s attacking depth, especially in the centre-forward position.

During the previous campaign, Eckert had several options available to him. Larin, Ross Stewart and Cameron Archer could all contribute either from the start or from the substitutes’ bench.

That situation has changed significantly.

Larin is now the only experienced centre-forward remaining, with Manchester City loanee Divin Mubama providing the main alternative.

Southampton did attempt to strengthen the position before the deadline. Reports indicated that the club made moves for Lazio striker Peter Ratkov and Charlton Athletic forward Micah Mbick, but neither deal was completed.

As a result, Southampton will head into the next few months with just two specialist centre-forwards available.

The Ross Stewart Decision Looks Vindicated

Another major storyline has been the departure of Ross Stewart.

Southampton had hoped to keep the Scottish striker following the expiration of his contract, and Eckert had made it clear that he valued the player enormously. However, the two sides could not agree on a new deal, with Southampton reportedly seeking a shorter commitment.

Stewart ultimately chose Championship rivals Swansea City, who offered him the security of a three-year contract.

Given Stewart’s injury record at Southampton, the decision to avoid such a lengthy commitment may now look increasingly sensible.

The striker managed only 50 appearances across three seasons with the Saints and scored 12 goals while providing three assists. His availability was repeatedly affected by injuries, making a long-term deal a considerable gamble.

Eckert Had High Praise for Stewart

Despite those concerns, there was never any doubt about Eckert’s admiration for Stewart as a person and footballer.

The Southampton boss continued communicating with the striker after his departure and previously described him as an exceptional character. Eckert also expressed his belief that Stewart deserved the opportunity to represent Scotland at the World Cup.

Those comments demonstrated just how highly the manager regarded the forward, despite his disappointing injury record.

Stewart’s move to Swansea came relatively late in the transfer window, following the World Cup-related circumstances surrounding his summer. Ideally, the striker needed a full and proper pre-season to prepare his body for the campaign.

Unfortunately, that did not happen.

Another Injury Raises Questions

Stewart has now suffered another setback after picking up a quad injury. The problem is expected to keep the 30-year-old sidelined until the international break.

That injury means he is also set to miss Swansea’s league meeting with Southampton at St Mary’s on September 8.

For Southampton, Stewart’s latest setback provides further evidence that refusing to hand him the three-year contract he wanted may ultimately have been the correct decision.

While supporters may have preferred to keep a striker they knew well, his continued injury problems highlight the financial and sporting risk involved in making such a commitment.

Southampton Have Taken a Risk

The biggest concern now is what happens if Larin becomes unavailable.

If the Canadian striker suffers an injury before the January transfer window opens, Southampton would suddenly have very limited options in the central striker position.

Mubama is talented but relatively inexperienced, meaning placing the entire burden of leading the attack on the young Manchester City loanee would represent a significant gamble.

With Southampton already attempting to recover from their four-point deduction, losing Larin for a prolonged period could seriously affect their promotion ambitions.

January Could Provide the Solution

For now, Southampton’s decision is a calculated risk.

The club has saved money through several departures during the summer, and that financial flexibility could prove useful once the January transfer window arrives.

Southampton successfully strengthened their squad during the previous January window by bringing in players such as Larin and Peretz. They may need to repeat that strategy this season.

If the current attacking options remain fit, Southampton could still have enough quality to compete strongly near the top of the Championship.

However, the lack of depth means injuries could quickly expose the squad’s weaknesses.

Ultimately, Southampton may have avoided a costly long-term commitment to Stewart, but they have also left themselves vulnerable by failing to add another proven centre-forward. The next four months will determine whether that gamble pays off.