Russell Martin’s Southampton may be left ruing their inability to bring in another centre-forward from almost the first minute of the Premier League season to the last.
With Adam Armstrong yet to prove that he can translate his prolific Championship form onto the big stage, and with Cameron Archer missing a penalty in that defeat to Manchester United, a lack of goals already looks like The Saints’ Achilles heel.
Still winless thanks to Sam Morsy’s 95th minute equaliser in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, no team in the division has scored fewer than Southampton.
Their return of two is half the next best – or should that be next worst? – tally posted by Crystal Palace.
So their failure to strike a deal with Corinthians for Brazil international centre-forward Yuri Alberto may be a source of disappointment which transcends the transfer window and lingers throughout the season.
Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto explains failed Southampton move
Southampton offered a loan-to-buy deal for Alberto, UOL report.
A deal that would have seen the former Zenit St Petersburg man – Alberto has been likened to Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski – arrive on a temporary basis initially, although with the option to make his transfer permanent for £17.5 million.
Speaking ahead of Corinthians’ 3-0 victory over Fortaleza this week, a game in which Alberto won the Man of the Match, the 23-year-old admitted that he was initially keen on a switch to St Mary’s.
“I had,” Alberto said when asked if he’d shown interest in joining Southampton, speaking at his post-match press conference.
“[But] I’m focused on the end of the season. We know these are very important games, so there’s no time to think about these things. Today, I’m only thinking about Corinthians and helping Corinthians.”
HITC understands that Southampton walked away from the Yuri Alberto deal due to the finances involved. And, also, due to the fact they had few spaces left in their official Premier League roster.
The Saints, at the time, were still looking to bring in a goalkeeper and a wide forward. They would end the window bringing in Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal and Maxwel Cornet from West Ham.
West Ham and Wolves have targeted Brazil international Yuri Alberto
Alberto, meanwhile, insists that he had been convinced to stay put anyway. Corinthians are battling against relegation.
And their 18-goal, perennially exit-linked top scorer – Alberto was linked with West Ham recently and saw a move to Wolves fail to materialise in January – knows that the task falls upon him to save one of the sleeping giants of South American football.
“There was a time where I really wanted [to leave],” adds the striker. “But we had an internal conversation here. I really appreciate everyone’s support, including the president’s. [He has] a lot of faith in my work.
“I was going through a fragile moment with a lot of pressure on myself. This may have made me a little bit tougher and given me a little bit more strength.
“[I stayed] because of the trust everyone had in me. That is very important. Many times, when you are going through a difficult period, you let your guard down a little but these people gave me positive energy.
“‘Wow, Yuri, we know what you are capable of’. That is what made me stay.”
Southampton face South Coast rivals AFC Bournemouth on Monday.
New Southampton signing has already really impressed his new teammates behind-the-scenes
Russell Martin drafted in a huge amount of fresh faces over the summer at Southampton and one of them has already left an impression on his teammates.
Southampton have just one point to their name after five games in the Premier League, which sees them slot into the bottom three.
Russell Martin just hasn’t been able to get the best out of his side in the top-flight.
Late heartbreak against Ipswich Town cost the Saints their first three points of the season, and they’ve not come close since having conceded six goals in two games.
Now, a trip to Bournemouth is up next, but it won’t be easy as the Cherries picked up their first win of the season against Everton in a spirited performance.
Interestingly, Martin does have one new player at his disposal who has already been impressing.
Mateus Fernandes has already impressed his teammates at Southampton
Mateus Fernandes joined from Sporting Lisbon on a five-year deal for £15 million.
The Portuguese has started the last two games for the Saints and is impressing on the field as well as off it in the attacking midfield role.
His Southampton teammates were immediately impressed by his talents, according to the Daily Echo.
Indeed, the early signs are certainly promising, as Russell Martin believes Mateus Fernandes has the potential to “play wherever he wants.”
What else has Russell Martin said about Mateus Fernandes?
Mateus Fernandes appears to have made a big impact on Martin too.
“Matty signed here over a lot of other people because he understands – and to be fair, he has a good family and agent who understand he needs to play in a certain way.
“He needs to play in a team that really suits him. It’s amazing business for the club to get him. I think we have some exceptional young talent here.
“They will be helped by the likes of Adam (Lallana), Jack (Stephens) and Janny (Bednarek) – the experienced ones.
“We have to enjoy them because if they continue to do what they are doing, and we win some games of football, they will attract some interest.
“Mateus needs to get up to speed with the Premier League. Every bit of his talent, his guile, his creativity is matched with intensity, desire and fight to win.
“He has a brilliant mentality. I’m enjoying working with him and hopefully that will continue for a while.”
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