Southampton advised to target Stoke City keeper Viktor Johansson for the next Championship spell.
Recently, Southampton's inclusion of Jack Stephens in their next season plans must've left all fans baffled. Yet, certainly, this list isn't the final one, which is indicative given it includes names like Aaron Ramsdale too.
That's because, despite the recent transfer fears, Ramsdale is guaranteed to be rewarded for his heroics in an otherwise relegation season.
Well, talking of the keeper's replacements, Southampton has been linked with a spectrum of profiles, ranging from free agents to expensive names. Yet, they have failed to strike a balance between quality and fee price so far.
Who knows, maybe Ramsdale's replacement needs a like-to-like option or an even better option? But even in that case, Southampton have finally been suggested a perfect profile.
It's Stoke City keeper Viktor Johansson**.**
Southampton shown Johansson should be the keeping priority
Now, not comparing the player with a keeping great in Ramsdale, but Johansson has secured what the former failed with Southampton this season. With an almost single-handed effort, Johansson saved Stoke from relegation while Ramsdale ended up being part of one of the worst Top Flight sides.
Well, deservedly, as per EFL Analysis, Viktor Johansson ranks as Southampton's best shot to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
That's because being an exciting option, fresh from a brilliant debut year in the Championship, the 26-year-old slots in almost all the criteria.
Nor too old nor inexperienced, the Stoke City star can be the perfect long-term solution for Southampton. Additionally, being touted to come in around £7m, the Saints can be content with his transfer, while not worrying about an extraordinarily hefty wage fee.
But what's intriguingly surprising in Southampton's favour is that after a long frustrating transfer search, this time it can be it.
In case you remember, the Saints' prolonged managerial hunt concluded with Will Still after they avoided a blunder in Tom Cleverley. Similar to this, Southampton has almost cut talks with risky option Christos Mandas and now, Viktor Johansson's links coming next make complete sense.
Overall, it all hints that Southampton must go all in Johansson's signing for all the above-mentioned reasons. Still, until the next phase of the transfer window, let's see how the rumour develops ahead.
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