Saints are said to be about to agree terms with a Brazilian defender, but it looks like it could all be a bit complicated, not to metion it will overload us in the position he plays.

sportwitness are reporting that the football media in Brazil are claiming that Southampton have agreed terms with Sao Paulo left back Welington Damascena Santos, who like many of his fellow countrymen uses just a single name in this case Welington.

One good omen though is that his surname Santos when translated from Portuguese to English is "Saints".

However there are a couple of complications with this deal.

Firstly the player is out of contract at the end of the Brazilian season in December, so there is the little matter of whether he would come now or in the January window.

If his club was to release him now, then they would be looking for a fee whereas he could potentially join for free in December.

The second complication is that he is a left back and it will overload us in that department, at the club last season we had the injured Juan Larios, Ryan Manning & Jack Stephens covering that position and we have already signed Charlie Taylor from Burnley, so the arrival of Welington would essentially give us 5 options in the position.

Eyebrows will be raised in this deal as the defender is hardly a signing that will provoke excitement, turning 24 in the coming January, he is not exactly a household name outside of Brazil, although he has been a regular in Sao Paulo's team over the past few seasons and has racked up 7 League appearances, he has never been anywhere near the Brazilian full International side and has gained just one cap at U23 level.

sportwitness say that

"Southampton have moved to secure his signature, with the player accepting a four-year offer from the Saints.

"He is expected to sign a pre-contract agreement with them in the coming days and has not yet informed São Paulo of the decision. They had been preparing a contract renewal for the left-back but have seemingly been caught on their heels by Southampton, who have moved to get him on a free transfer later this year.

"If they want to sign the left-back this summer they will have to pay for his early release, although TNT Sports offer no price should that be what the Saints want to do.

"Perhaps the plan is to get Welington signed to a pre-contract agreement and then approach São Paulo, knowing the Brazilian club will be forced into a sale to avoid losing the player on a free."

Whatever the situation, it does not look an ideal situation and one that seems a little strange given the options that we have in this area.

Photo: Action Images

kenchilds70 added 10:44 - Jul 6 With an historical leaky defence , perhaps a plethora of defensive choices....who said if they don't score they don't win.
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Bowlercow added 11:06 - Jul 6 We aim to field 10 defenders plus a keeper Joking apart this lot at least are doing some early and inexpensive deals When will we see more action on the exit side So far only Lyanco has reaped a fee
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highfield49 added 11:50 - Jul 6 RM surely won't consider Jack Stephens as a viable left back at the top level? He did a decent job when needed in that position but he'd be toast without constant support from the likes of Fraser dropping back to cover. Even though Ryan Manning has always given 100% we all know his limitations. Charlie Taylor looks to be an astute signing with loads of experience however, even if now fit, Juan Larios is going to potentially need a season out on loan to rebuild his game. Apart from the stuff available via Google etc it's impossible to know if Welington is a shoo in to the team but I'm not surprised that we're looking at another left back even if Taylor is a starter next season.

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Monksway added 12:08 - Jul 6 Unless Bednarek or Stephens leave, we now have five central defenders. Does this suggest 3 at the back as the default formation. Surprised we are looking for another left back after Charlie Taylor. I'd anticipated Larios out on loan and Taylor, Manning and Frazer as left wing backs.
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dirk_doone added 12:32 - Jul 6 It would be easier to sign the current Argentine international left back, Nicolás Tagliafico.
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DellBoyWally added 13:08 - Jul 6 Manning and Stephens out the door. Neither are PL-level defenders. RM struggled in the Championship and, although JS had a few reasonable games at Bournemouth, he clearly isn't good enough. I'd rather see Bree as 2nd cover. He is a natural FB. So we need 1st cover for Taylor.
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underweststand added 14:15 - Jul 6 (to Bowlercow). Think I read that we also sold Perraud for around 3 million.. and a bit. (highfield ) ...I agree with you about Stephens.... and his contract goes out summer 2025. Manning and Bree may have managed OK-ish in the Championship, but I don't see either as first choice Prem. players. It means Bednarek is the only experienced CB in the club. Interesting that the mooted signings of; Ghoddos, O'Riley, Jeronimo and Welington might help create interest in their home countries as the big money clubs have always tried to recruit overseas players and it helps to get attention for Prem. clubs.

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nixoncomedy added 14:26 - Jul 6 We have no depth at lb. None. Larios peanut ready unless he improved massively on loan. Manning wasn't up for the championship, much less the prem. How it's not seen as a major positional need is wild, yes... Get in a proper lb
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Block8 added 14:55 - Jul 6 I think with all of the defensive comings, there will almost certainly be a few goings, even if only loan deals? Still need to see some movement up front, although I'm well aware Russel likes building from the back 😂
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