Why Southampton signing Marcus Edwards would be a real coup
According to the Daily Mail, Southampton have former Tottenham prospect, Marcus Edwards, on their radar in the January transfer window.
The Saints have been heavily linked with a loan move for Man United left-back Brandon Williams and Everton midfielder Tom Davies. However, it is understood that Ralph Hasenhuttl could turn to Edwards if he opts to bolster his attack during the mid-season trading period. (h/t Daily Mail)
The 22-year-old has flourished since moving to Portuguese outfit Vitoria de Guimaraes in the summer of 2019. A youth exponent of Tottenham, Edwards made only a solitary competitive appearance for the Lilywhites, spending time on loan at Norwich City in the EFL Championship and Excelsior in the Dutch Eredivisie.
However, the highly-rated winger has really come to the fore since his move to Vitoria 18 months back. Edwards bagged 7 goals and 5 assists in 26 league appearances last term while also scoring twice in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League.
The former England U-20 international hasn’t really been able to emulate that kind of form this season but has still managed to contribute with a goal and an assist in 11 Primeira Liga outings. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Meanwhile, Southampton enjoyed a fantastic start to 2021 with a shock 1-0 win over defending champions Liverpool, thanks to Danny Ings’ winner. The Saints currently sit 6th in the standings after a promising first half of the campaign with 29 points accumulated from 17 games. Hasenhuttl’s side are level on points with 4th-placed Tottenham, although they have played an extra game.
There are still plenty of games left to play but Southampton should definitely have one eye on a potential return to Europe for the first time since 2016. Indeed, consistency will hold the key for the Saints over a hectic winter period, giving enough reason for Hasenhuttl to weigh up some fresh additions to bolster his squad this month.
Putting things into perspective, Marcus Edwards ticks plenty of boxes to come through the door as a useful addition to Southampton’s ranks. The 22-year-old has started to deliver on his potential at Vitoria in Portugal, thanks to regular playtime in the Primeira Liga. The winger didn’t really get a fair crack of the whip at Tottenham but can get a second chance to prove his mettle in English football if the Saints opt to offer him a return.
Southampton can certainly do with a bit more depth in the wide attacking department. Hasenhuttl has rotated the likes of Theo Walcott, Mossa Djenepo and Stuart Armstrong to spark creativity from the flanks this season. But Nathan Redmond has had his fair share of struggles with injuries while academy starlet Nathan Tella is yet to establish himself.
The inclusion of a talented youngster like Edwards would, therefore, offer more depth and quality to Hasenhuttl as he prepares for a hectic second half of the campaign. A left-footed attacker, the former Tottenham man is capable of operating as an inverted winger on the right and also through the middle in a No.10 role.
Read More
- Why Southampton should sign Mathias Normann to bolster their squad
- Why Danny Ings renewing his contract with Southampton will be mutually beneficial
Verdict
Southampton have put a lot of emphasis on signing young players with room for development under the stewardship of Hasenhuttl. The likes of Djenepo, Che Adams, Mohammed Salisu and Ibrahima Diallo have all come through the door at St. Mary’s in recent windows as a part of the club’s long-term plans.
Marcus Edwards looks like a player in a similar mould and still has his best years ahead of him at 22. Having said that, he would represent yet another exciting addition to the pool of burgeoning young talents at Southampton.
