Southampton’s solution to their striker woes might be nearer than Tonda Eckert anticipates.

Southampton have scored freely for much of the Championship season, finding the net 29 times, but recent matches have exposed a weakness in their attacking options. With Cyle Larin injured, the Saints have struggled to find a reliable centre-forward, and two frustrating results against struggling opponents have intensified the concern.

Last month, Eckert’s side were held to a goalless draw by Bolton Wanderers. They at least took a point from that encounter, but Saturday’s visit to Preston North End ended in defeat. Preston, who had won only once in the league before the match, claimed their second victory of the campaign when Jordan Thompson scored during the first half.

Southampton’s inability to score against either Bolton or the Championship’s bottom club is surprising given their overall return. The main difficulty has been finding a consistent player to lead the line while Larin is unavailable. Lewis Dobbin and Divin Mubama have both had opportunities, but neither has convinced.

Preston North End v Southampton – Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 | Matt Watson/GettyImages

Southampton’s striker problems

Dobbin endured a forgettable afternoon at Deepdale. He played 80 minutes without registering a shot on Lee Nicholls’ goal. The £9 million summer signing has shown some promise, scoring the third goal in Southampton’s thrilling 3-2 win at West Ham United.

He has missed chances too, including during the stalemate with Bolton. Dobbin must offer considerably more if he is to justify his price tag and establish himself as a dependable option. At present, his performances have fluctuated too much.

Mubama managed one attempt during his ten-minute appearance against Preston after replacing Dobbin. He was also largely anonymous in the 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, where Southampton might have secured victory with a more imposing and confident striker leading the attack.

There is encouraging news for Eckert: Larin has been confirmed as ready to face Derby County after the international break. The seven-goal forward’s return should improve Southampton’s options and give them a more established presence through the middle.

Nevertheless, Larin’s comeback will not remove the need for dependable cover. Injuries can recur, and a side pursuing promotion cannot afford to be overly reliant on one striker. Dobbin and Mubama have yet to show they can consistently deliver, meaning Southampton could consider strengthening their attack in January.

The solution may already be at the club

Before entering the transfer market, however, Southampton could look to their academy. The club have a history of giving young players first-team opportunities when they are judged ready. That approach has helped develop talents such as Tyler Dibling, whose senior exposure preceded a multi-million-pound move to Everton. Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale are earlier examples of youngsters who benefited from Southampton’s willingness to trust emerging players.

Eckert could continue that tradition by giving Princewill Ehibhatiomhan meaningful first-team opportunities instead of limiting him to a place on the substitutes’ bench. The 21-year-old’s scoring form for the under-21s is increasingly difficult to ignore, particularly when compared with the struggles of Dobbin and Mubama.

Ehibhatiomhan has scored 17 goals in only 11 under-21 appearances this season for Adam Lallana’s side. His latest contribution came in a convincing 5-2 victory over Norwich City, when he scored twice to maintain his remarkable run. Earlier in the campaign, he reached his 12th goal of the season against Juventus, a milestone celebrated by Southampton’s under-21 team.

Those numbers do not automatically prove that he is ready for Championship football. Senior matches bring greater physicality, faster decisions and more demanding opponents. Eckert and his coaching staff must decide whether the forward can handle that step up. Even so, his current form gives them a strong reason to assess him in the first team.

At six feet three inches, Ehibhatiomhan also has the physical attributes to offer something different in attack. Larin’s return could help his development, too. The experienced forward could act as a tutor, allowing the youngster to learn from his movement and experience while competing for opportunities.

Southampton may still decide that a January signing is necessary to provide depth for the second half of the season. Promoting Ehibhatiomhan does not have to rule out recruitment. But with the academy forward scoring at such an impressive rate, the club should consider whether an answer to their immediate problem is already available.

The decision now rests with Eckert. If Ehibhatiomhan demonstrates in training that he can adapt to the demands of senior football, giving him meaningful minutes would allow Southampton to test whether his goalscoring touch can transfer to the first team. With Dobbin and Mubama short of consistency and Larin only just returning, it could be a risk worth taking.

Southampton’s solution may therefore be closer than Eckert thinks. Instead of immediately searching elsewhere, the manager has a prolific young striker waiting for an opportunity to prove himself.