Southampton should sign ‘outstanding’ talent to immediately replace Kyle Walker-Peters.

Southampton are already suffering the impact of their relegation to the Championship, as new manager Will Still outlines his summer transfer strategy.

The Saints have several quality players on their radar, who are being pursued by Premier League clubs or teams throughout Europe. Leeds United are interested in Shea Charles after seeing him excel on loan at Sheffield Wednesday last season, while Russell Martin wants to sign Flynn Downes for Rangers. While Charles and Downes’ futures remain uncertain, one Southampton player has already left: Kyle Walker-Peters. The 28-year-old turned down an offer for a new deal and is now waiting to be signed. Walker-Peters was fantastic for the Saints during his five-year contract, and Will Still now needs to find a successor for the aggressive full-back.

Bali Mumba is the perfect replacement for Kyle Walker-Peters

Walker-Peters demonstrated great versatility at Southampton. The Englishman could play as a traditional full-back or an attacking wing-back on either side. The former Tottenham player also had the speed and agility to carry the ball up the pitch, making him one of their most dangerous attacking assets. Now that Walker-Peters has left the club, Still will need to find someone with the same blistering pace, dribbling, and defensive abilities to replace his absence. Fortunately, there is someone in League One who can do exactly that. Plymouth Argyle were relegated to the third tier last season, and they could now lose Bali Mumba to a Championship club this summer.

Bali Mumba in 24/25

Games – 43

Goals – 0

Assists – 2

Successful dribbles – 33

Tackles won – 55

Recoveries – 184

The 23-year-old is one of the EFL’s most versatile players, having played both high up the pitch and as a full-back on either wing. Despite his age, Mumba has over 150 senior games, with the Sunderland academy graduate showcasing his eagerness in possession and ability to split lines with his pace. So, with Southampton’s attacking push reduced following Walker-Peters’ departure, Middlesbrough-linked Mumba is someone they should target this summer.

What Daniel Farke has said about Mumba

Mumba joined Daniel Farke’s Norwich City club in 2020 after leaving Sunderland, and the German thought highly of the Englishman. After making a contribution against Swansea City in 2020, Farke told the Sunderland Echo, “It is one thing to have a great idea as a coach, but the compliments go to the player.” What those two lads accomplished was fantastic, and they deserve full credit. We started finding Bali with various diagonals to give him the ball, and he made an excellent pass.”

Ahead of a potential return to the Championship, Farke has already offered a glimpse at what Mumba could bring to Southampton and Still must snap him up.

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