Southampton have already mapped out their January transfer plans after 15 league matches.

Southampton’s promising start to the 2026/27 Championship campaign has given them a strong platform, but the January transfer window could provide an opportunity to improve their squad further. With automatic promotion firmly in their sights, the Saints will know that getting their recruitment right could make a significant difference during the second half of the season.

Technical director Johannes Spors and head coach Tonda Eckert have plenty to consider during the international break as preparations for January begin to gather pace. Following the two-week pause, Southampton face their busiest period of the campaign in the build-up to Christmas. After that demanding schedule, they will have a month to make adjustments and bring in reinforcements.

The opening 15 league fixtures have generally placed Southampton in a positive position. However, there are weaknesses within the squad that have become increasingly difficult to ignore. The club enjoyed success with their January recruitment last season, and repeating that achievement could give them an excellent opportunity to strengthen their automatic promotion challenge.

Southampton Unveil New Manager Tonda Eckert | Matt Watson/GettyImages

Attacking reinforcements should be the priority

Eckert may have been disappointed when he looked towards his substitutes during Saturday’s defeat against bottom-placed Preston North End. Southampton needed attacking inspiration, but the available options did not appear to provide the German head coach with convincing solutions.

Sam Edozie, Tom Fellows and Divin Mubama were among the players who could have been introduced. However, each comes with questions surrounding their current contribution and suitability for the club’s ambitions.

Edozie had publicly requested to leave Southampton on deadline day, making his position within the squad an issue that may need attention. Fellows, meanwhile, has managed only one goal for the Saints in more than a year. Mubama, who arrived on loan from Manchester City, has seemingly failed to convince Eckert that he deserves a regular opportunity.

Those concerns might appear surprising considering Southampton have enjoyed contributions from 14 different goalscorers in the Championship. They also possess the fourth-highest goals tally in the division. Nevertheless, having several players contribute goals does not necessarily mean the squad has enough dependable attacking alternatives.

The January window therefore offers an opportunity to improve the forward department. One possible solution would be to send Mubama back to Manchester City and recruit a physical striker who could provide competition and rotation for the club’s leading scorer, Brampton Bagsman.

A signing similar to Cyle Larin’s January 2025 arrival could be particularly useful. Southampton need another forward capable of offering a different physical presence and providing reliable support when their main attacking option is unavailable or requires a rest.

The club should also examine their wide attacking positions. Having Fellows and Edozie as backup options does not appear particularly convincing for a side targeting promotion. Both players have struggled to provide the consistent attacking threat required, and Southampton need greater competition if they want to improve their performances from the bench.

Jay Robinson recall could offer another solution

Southampton already have a potential attacking reinforcement away from the club. Jay Robinson is currently enjoying a loan spell with Italian side Monza in Serie A, where he has been performing well under manager Ivan Juric.

Eckert has confirmed that recalling the 19-year-old is a possibility, meaning Southampton could consider bringing him back when the January window opens.

Robinson’s progress in Italy makes the situation interesting. His performances suggest that he is benefiting from regular football, and the Saints must decide whether bringing him back would help the first team without interrupting his development.

A recall would provide Eckert with another option in the wide areas without requiring the club to spend money on a completely new signing. However, Southampton could decide that allowing the youngster to continue gaining experience in Italy is more beneficial for his long-term development.

If that is the preferred approach, recruiting another winger should become a serious consideration. The current options have not consistently delivered, and the lack of effective attacking contributions from substitutes has exposed an area that needs strengthening.

Schlotterbeck injury highlights defensive weakness

The attacking department is not the only area requiring attention. Southampton have also suffered a significant setback at centre-back following Keven Schlotterbeck’s dislocated shoulder.

His absence leaves Eckert with Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood and young loanee Zach Abbott as his available central defensive options. That is a limited group for a club facing a demanding run of fixtures, particularly with the importance of maintaining their position in the promotion race.

Southampton cannot bring in another central defender before Christmas, but they can begin planning for January. Schlotterbeck has been an important performer since arriving, demonstrating his quality in the Championship and contributing to the team’s respectable defensive record.

Losing him has therefore created a problem that cannot simply be ignored. The Saints need sufficient cover to manage his absence, while also ensuring they have enough quality when he eventually returns.

One possibility would be to end Abbott’s loan in January and bring in another defender capable of partnering Schlotterbeck. That could provide Eckert with additional experience and depth in an important position. However, the club would also need to consider the youngster’s development before making a final decision.

Henrik Falchener is another potential name to monitor. Southampton were interested in the defender during the summer, and his season with Norwegian club Viking will be approaching its conclusion when January arrives. That could make him more open to moving to England and potentially give the Saints another opportunity to pursue a player they previously considered.

Spors faces important decisions before January

Southampton’s start to the campaign has been encouraging, but the first 15 league matches have exposed areas where improvements are needed. Their attacking numbers are impressive, yet the lack of dependable options from the bench remains a concern. Schlotterbeck’s injury has also highlighted the shortage of depth in central defence.

Spors will have to work closely with Eckert to identify the right solutions. Decisions surrounding Mubama, the winger position, Robinson’s loan and defensive recruitment could all influence the club’s business.

The Saints have already lost four points through their deduction, making every remaining fixture particularly important. They cannot afford unnecessary weaknesses to undermine their promotion ambitions.

Last season demonstrated the value of effective January recruitment. Repeating that success by strengthening the attack and defence could give Eckert the additional quality and depth needed to maintain Southampton’s momentum and pursue automatic promotion.