Southampton preparing to loan in a Man City forward.

Southampton are reportedly closing in on the signing of Manchester City forward Divin Mubama on loan for the 2026/27 campaign, according to GIVEMESPORT. The Championship club are understood to have identified the young attacker as an important addition as they prepare for another demanding promotion campaign.

The Saints have been searching for another centre-forward during the summer after confirming that Ross Stewart would leave the club when his contract expired. Stewart has since completed a move to Swansea City, leaving Southampton needing additional attacking depth before the new season gets underway.

Southampton strengthen their attacking options

Southampton already have several options capable of operating through the middle. Cyle Larin’s loan spell was made permanent during the summer, while Damion Downs has returned to the squad after spending the previous campaign away on loan.

Cameron Archer also remains available to lead the line, giving manager Tonda Eckert a number of possibilities in attack. However, with Southampton determined to challenge for promotion, adding another forward could provide valuable competition and greater depth across a long Championship season.

Mubama would offer a different option and could give Eckert another energetic young striker to work with. His arrival would also allow Southampton to manage their attacking resources more effectively, particularly when injuries, suspensions or fixture congestion begin to take their toll.

The Saints are also preparing for the departure of midfielder Shea Charles. Fulham have reportedly agreed a £30 million fee for the Northern Ireland international, meaning Southampton will have to cope with another significant change to their squad.

Mubama expected to arrive from Manchester City

Southampton are expected to complete a season-long loan agreement for Mubama, with the deal reportedly aimed at giving the 21-year-old an opportunity to gain regular first-team football.

Mubama spent the previous campaign on loan at Stoke City, where his progress was interrupted by an ankle injury suffered in January. The setback kept him out for a period, but he has since returned to full fitness and has been able to enjoy a productive pre-season.

His recent performances for Manchester City have particularly caught the eye. The young forward has scored twice during pre-season, including a goal against Italian giants Inter Milan, providing an encouraging indication of his current sharpness.

For Southampton, securing a player who has already demonstrated that he can perform against strong opposition could prove to be an important piece of business. The club will be hoping his pre-season form can carry into the Championship.

A promising young forward with Premier League potential

Mubama joined Manchester City in 2024 after leaving West Ham when his contract expired. Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, however, he has found it difficult to establish himself within Pep Guardiola’s senior squad.

That struggle is understandable given his age and the extraordinary competition for attacking places at Manchester City. The Premier League champions possess several world-class forwards, making regular first-team opportunities particularly difficult for a developing player.

A loan move to Southampton could therefore represent an ideal next step. Instead of competing for limited minutes at City, Mubama would have the chance to play regularly in one of England’s most physically demanding divisions.

For Southampton, the move could provide access to a forward with considerable potential without requiring a permanent transfer. If Mubama settles quickly and performs consistently, the arrangement could benefit both the player and the club.

Southampton have a huge season ahead

The importance of the upcoming campaign cannot be overstated for Southampton. The Saints came agonisingly close to securing promotion last season, only for events away from the pitch to have a major impact on their hopes.

The club were expelled from the Championship play-offs after the spying controversy surrounding their 2025/26 campaign. Southampton were also handed a four-point deduction for the new season, creating an additional obstacle before a ball has even been kicked.

Those punishments made an already disappointing conclusion to last season even harder for the club and its supporters to accept. Southampton now have an opportunity to respond where it matters most: on the pitch.

The target will once again be a return to the Premier League, although achieving automatic promotion is unlikely to be straightforward. The Championship is expected to contain several ambitious and well-equipped teams capable of competing near the top of the table.

Nevertheless, Southampton should still have realistic ambitions of reaching the play-offs if they can maintain consistency throughout the season. Their squad possesses quality, while the addition of players such as Mubama could provide another important attacking weapon.

Mubama could become a key signing

The proposed arrival of Mubama gives Southampton another option as they prepare for a crucial campaign. His previous loan experience, recent return from injury and promising pre-season displays suggest he could be ready to make an impact.

With Stewart gone, Larin permanent, Downs returning and Archer already available, the Saints are building a varied collection of attacking options.

If Mubama can stay fit and translate his Manchester City pre-season form into regular Championship performances, he could become an important contributor to Southampton’s promotion push.

The pressure will be significant, particularly with the four-point deduction already applied, but the club will believe their promotion ambitions remain alive. Bringing in a young Manchester City forward could be another step towards giving Eckert the squad he needs to challenge at the top.