Southampton’s performance in the 2023-24 Championship season has been quite turbulent so far, with Russell Martin experiencing some challenges at St Mary’s Stadium. As of the October international break, they were in 10th place, trailing Leicester City by 13 points – a team that, like them, was recently relegated from the Premier League and had defeated them 4-1 on home turf.
September witnessed four consecutive defeats, which didn’t bode well for Russell Martin. However, just before the international break, Southampton managed to win two matches in a row and then drew with Rotherham United, a team lower in the rankings.
Martin has been experimenting with his starting lineup, particularly in the forward positions. This includes shifting top scorer Adam Armstrong to the right flank, with some success. He also briefly tried Carlos Alcaraz as a false nine before returning to Che Adams as the lone striker. However, Adams, despite his Premier League experience, hasn’t been a consistent starter.
In the 2023-24 season, Adams initially came off the bench in the first two league matches but scored in both of them. He secured a starting position against Plymouth Argyle and scored a late winner. However, in his subsequent six appearances, he failed to find the back of the net, including four starts, and was left out in late August amid transfer rumors.
To add to the mix, Southampton signed Ross Stewart for £8 million, who had a strong goal-scoring record for Sunderland. This move initially suggested that Adams might be departing, but both players remained in the squad until at least January 2024.
Ross Stewart has yet to make his debut for Southampton due to an Achilles injury from his time at Sunderland. Martin indicated that Stewart’s return to action was planned for after the October international break, potentially making his debut against Hull City.
The acquisition of Stewart suggests that Adams might be sold in the upcoming January transfer window. Adams’ contract with Southampton expires at the end of the current season, and while the club has offered a new three-year extension, Adams has not yet signed it. This poses a risk of losing the £15 million investment made in 2019 for nothing, regardless of their division or table position for the 2024-25 season.
Several Premier League clubs expressed interest in Adams over the summer, with Everton being a prominent contender. With less than six months remaining on his contract in January, clubs may be more inclined to pursue a deal for Adams at a reduced price. If Stewart is intended to be the primary forward, it makes sense for Southampton to seek the best deal for Adams and move forward without him.