Southampton brought in 14 first-team players over the summer, but Russell Martin missed out on some of his key transfer targets.
Southampton bolstered their squad with signings like Yukinari Sugawara, Mateus Fernandes, and Cameron Archer to help Russell Martin keep the club in the Premier League. Last season’s loan players, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, and Ryan Fraser, also joined permanently, with Fraser’s transfer from Newcastle United finalized on Deadline Day.
With Che Adams leaving after his contract expired in June and Sekou Mara sold, a new striker became a priority for Martin. Archer and Ben Brereton Diaz were brought in, both coming from relegated Sheffield United, but Southampton continued to push for another forward until the end of the transfer window.
Yuri Alberto was identified as Southampton’s top target after several centre-forward options were explored. Alberto impressed at Corinthians, scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in 44 matches across 2024. Southampton offered a £2.5 million loan fee with an option to buy for £15 million next summer, but Corinthians rejected the bid.
Speaking on the failed move, Alberto said, “I play for one of the biggest teams in the world. I’m happy at Corinthians. It’s my dream to play in Europe and compete in the Premier League, but everything has its time. If I’m here today, it’s because there’s something bigger for me and Corinthians.”
Despite missing out on Alberto in the summer, Southampton could revisit the deal in January.
Corinthians, having signed Memphis Depay and Andre Carillo, are now more open to selling Alberto. They may also pursue Gabriel Barbosa, and selling Alberto could help fund this ambitious move, making a winter transfer for Alberto more likely.
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