Season Preview: Will Pellegrino bring entertaining football back to Southampton?

Previous season 

Southampton may have had a respectable campaign under Claude Puel last season as they finished 8th and made it to the EFL Cup final, where they were unlucky to lose to Manchester United, but the successes masked the cracks at St. Mary’s. With Puel at the helm, Saints were far too cautious going forward and scored just 41 league goals, one of the worst returns in the Premier League, while only relegated Sunderland (16) netted fewer home goals than the south coast side (17). The Frenchman’s sacking came as little shock and in his place comes the pragmatic but effective Mauricio Pellegrino. 

Saints are an unknown quality come into the new campaign under Pellegrino, but could fancy their chances at home to Swansea on Saturday having won three of their last four home league meetings with the Swans. 

Transfer summary 

The arrival of Mario Lemina this week was only Saints’ second signing of the summer, though the 23-year-old comes with a good reputation, despite a lack of game time for Juventus last season. Only two midfielders had a better pass success rate than Lemina (90%) in Serie A last season and he is joined at St. Mary’s by young centre-back Jan Bednarek. Jay Rodriguez has departed for West Brom, while Harrison Reed has joined Norwich on loan. Much of the speculation now, though, revolves around the future of Virgil van Dijk, who this week submitted a transfer request. Liverpool and Chelsea are keen on the Dutchman, though Saints are digging their heels in over their prized asset, with Van Dijk just one year into a six-year deal with the club. 

One to watch - Sofiane Boufal 

Southampton’s big summer signing last year struggled to make a sustained impact on the south coast as injuries plagued Sofiane Boufal’s debut campaign for the Premier League side. Puel’s rigidity also hindered his impact as the Moroccan made just 12 top-flight starts. The 23-year-old came under criticism from some quarters of the fanbase, but he is a tricky player to handle on his day and he has a point to prove to Pellegrino and the supporters. One league goal was a poor return, but if Boufal can replicate his fine Lille form, then Saints have the perfect winger to call upon this season. 

Predicted finish - 10th 

Look away Saints fans as we predict you finishing below south coast rivals Bournemouth, in 10th. Pellegrino is managing in a new league and while he could prove an astute appointment, this could prove to be a transitional season.