Although Saints have recently signed up Alex McCarthy to a new contract and still have Joe Lumley on the books, it seems that Russell martin does not seem to consider either a genuine contender for the first choice goalkeeping spot and that an experienced keeper will be signed.

Latest reports are suggesting that, that man could be Brighton's Jason Steele southamptonfcnews are one of a number of media outlets who are carrying the story.

This is not news that will excite Southampton supporters, after all Steele who will turn 34 next month has only played 33 Premier League games for the Seagulls in his 6 seasons at the club since joining them from Sunderland in 2018.

In his last season at the Stadium of Light he only played 15 times, that means the last time he played a decent number of games in season was back in 2016/17 at Blackburn when he was their undisputed number one.

So why would Saints consider signing Steele and playing him ahead of Alex McCarthy, the answer is his ability to play with the ball at his feet, whilst Alex McCarthy is a solid keeper, he cannot play to the level that Russell Martin requires from his goalkeeper, Gavin Bazunu was not a great shot stopper, but the style of play had a lot to do with that, the possession football game almost meant that his main job was about playing with his feet not his hands.

Teams had to work to get a goal from Saints and a lot of the goals conceded by Bazunu last season were either on the break or from close range, this led to his shots saved ratio not looking great, but when Saints were playing well in that 22 game unbeaten League run, Bazunu played a full part.

The link with Steele shows that Martin still feels that Bazunu is his man in the longer term and that although most of the coming season, if not all will be written off for the Irish keeper, that when he returns he will be the number one.

If these reports are right then whether it is Steele or another keeper who comes in, it is clear where the managers thinking lays.

Personally I am not sure about Steele coming in, let's be blunt when the season starts he will be a 34 year old who has played just 48 League games in 7 seasons, there is a good reason for that.

Surely there is a better option than Steele out there, someone with a lot of experience in the Premier League, who can do a job.

Photo: Action Images

A1079 added 12:10 - Jul 8 Agree with your assessment. I do think we need another good decent keeper but there are better than this out there. I guess it depends on what we are willing or have available finance wise to pay.
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Jesus_02 added 12:59 - Jul 8 Yes not exited about this at all McCarthy was a poor decision and a missed opportunity to get someone who was at least class in their day. There are a number out there that would love the challenge with guaranteed starts then be a decent 2nd Keeper.: Pepe Reina anyone lol !
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Jesus_02 added 13:02 - Jul 8 Kasper Schmeichel 37 out of contract
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Monksway added 13:24 - Jul 8 Thinks it's just numbers until Bazunu returns. Not sure Steele will be number one. I still think it will be McCarthy.
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kingolaf added 13:30 - Jul 8 Bazunu’s shot to save ratio is low because he’s garbage. No other reason.
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