Russell Martin could sign ‘exciting’ Ryan Manning upgrade as Southampton eye Brazilian ‘gem’
Russell Martin could sign a huge upgrade in the left-back department at Southampton by landing one of his ‘exciting’ transfer targets.
The challenge of staying in the Premier League has never been harder. All three promoted teams were relegated last term however, if Southampton are to survive the drop, they’re going the right way about it.
Russell Martin has captured three talented central defenders in the shape of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood while signing experienced left-back Charlie Taylor and midfielder Adam Lallana.
The Saints have significantly bolstered their defence on paper and their plans to improve their back line aren’t set to stop there, with Martin eyeing up another left back to challenge Taylor, Ryan Manning and Juan Larios.
Pedro (L) of Flamengo struggles for the ball against Welington (R) of Sao Paulo during the match between Sao Paulo and Flamengo as part of Brasilei
This report emerged on Friday and since then, Brazilian outlet Geglobo have claimed a four-year contract proposal has been accepted, with his current deal set to expire at the end of 2024.
The 23-year-old could move as a free agent in January once his deal runs out, whilst the Saints could also pay a small fee to sign him now instead.
Wellington is a talented left-back, who has accumulated 146 appearances for Sao Paulo since making his debut in 2020, scoring twice and adding 11 assists too.
Martin is looking to add a blend of youthful exuberance and experience to his squad this summer and Welington would fall into the former category.
Why Welington could be an upgrade on Ryan Manning
Southampton’s left-back spot is up for grabs heading into the 2024/25 campaign. Ryan Manning was in and out of the team last term while Martin often used Kyle Walker-Peters there or played Jack Stephens as a makeshift left-back.
Now they’ve signed experienced Premier League player Taylor, it appears Martin doesn’t trust Manning to play a regular part in the top flight, with Welington also a potential upgrade on the Republic of Ireland international.
Whilst the table above shows that Manning is the greater creative force, Welington is arguably better at defending, beating the Southampton man for tackles, blocks, interceptions and aerials won.
The Saints have wrapped up deals for Taylor Harwood-Bellis after his impressive loan spell last term while Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood have all arrived at St Mary’s.
Wood became the latest player through the door this summer, with the 22-year-old penning a four-year contract in a deal worth a reported £3 million.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Russell Martin has tried to sign the talented centre-back. He captured him on a permanent deal from Middlesborough in the summer of 2022 while manager of Swansea and last summer, failed with two bids worth £10 million.
Now the Saints have returned to the Premier League, Martin is delighted to reunite with a player he rates highly.
Most importantly, though, the 2002-born centre-back looks like the perfect Martin player, displaying a calmness in possession that allows him to bring the ball out from defence.
Dubbing his attributes as “tremendous”, namely his physicality, pace and calmness on the ball, the Saints boss is excited about working with the talented defender once more.
Speaking to the Saints official website, Martin said: “Nathan is a player I know and trust from our time together at Swansea, and someone I also tried to sign in my first job at MK Dons. He’s a top defender with tremendous physical qualities, great pace and calmness on the ball.
“What’s equally important to us is that he’s a great character who will settle in seamlessly with the brilliant group we already have here. He’s hungry to prove himself in the Premier League, and we want to help him achieve that.”
Southampton building for the future
Wood became the second centre-back to sign for Southampton this week after Edwards joined from Peterborough United on Wednesday.
Edwards, 21, was captured for a similar fee to Wood, earning his move to the Premier League after impressing for the Posh in League One.
Whilst the duo may not start together in the top flight, there is a clear plan for Martin to sign players who can play for this football club in years to come.
Edwards and Wood, both talented ball-playing defenders, can take inspiration from the likes of Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek as they attempt to break into Martin’s starting XI.
Southampton also haven’t broken the bank by signing those two players and if the worst-case scenario does happen – relegation to the Championship – that duo could form an immense partnership.
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