RALPH Hasenhuttl explained why Saints are debating what balance of young and experienced players to bring into the squad, ahead of the summer transfer window opening. They could now table a first top-half finish of Hasenhuttl’s tenure, while every place in the Premier League is worth around a couple million pounds more in prize money.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “We will move earlier this season, this is for sure. I think we have a squad at the moment where we have young, potential players and they are going in a good way. The question this summer will be how much of young players we need or maybe even some, I won’t say experienced players but players that give us something different also.”
Hasenhuttl feels the success of Livramento and Broja in particular has helped restore Saints as a club perceived to be a strong developer of talent. The opportunities presented to such youngsters can play a big hand in drawing the best teens to St Mary’s.
Ralph Hasenhuttl continued: “We have to balance it quite well and this is the goal for the summer. In the end, we are now back known as a developing club that gives young players a chance to play. This is definitely helpful for our transfer activities in the summer, the rest we will look very carefully and see.”
The continual message from Hasenhuttl and the club has been one of moving quickly on targets, but we are yet to see how this operates in practice. Hasenhuttl and supporters will both hope to see deals concluded in mid-June, while there will also be greater clarity on the goalkeeping situation when contracts are set to expire that month.
