What Southampton's Latest Signings Bring to the Club

After a tumultuous summer, which saw the manager and several major players leave, Southampton have come out of the transfer window with renewed strength.

Deadline-day signings Toby Alderweireld—on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid—and Sadio Mane from Red Bull Salzburg appear to have filled the void left by star names. But how good are these new signings and how will they fit into Ronald Koeman's side?

Alderweireld is undoubtedly a key signing. Southampton had looked weak in central defence at times in their opening Premier League games after Dejan Lovren completed a £20 million move to Liverpool.

Japanese international Maya Yoshida is therefore likely to drop out of the side as Alderweireld will slot in alongside club captain Jose Fonte in the heart of the Saints' back line.

The Belgian's versatility is also a huge plus point which could prove important after Calum Chambers moved to Arsenal.  Chambers' move left Southampton with only one recognised right-back in Nathaniel Clyne, and if need be, Alderweireld could prove a more-than-useful replacement for Clyne.

This versatility is something which Koeman referred to when speaking to the club's website upon securing the 25-year-old defender: "We needed competition in our squad and with Toby here now we have a lot of possibilities and qualities."

Although he only made 12 appearances for the Spanish champions Atletico Madrid last season, there is no denying Alderweireld's pedigree. He was part of Belgium's World Cup squad and has been considered a serious talent since coming through the academy of Dutch champions Ajax before his move to Spain.

The fact that Saints managed to secure his services shows the ambition of the club as well as Koeman's reputation, and he will surely thrive once given regular game time in the Premier League.

Southampton's style of football—based on high pressing and possession—should suit Alderweireld who commented upon signing to the club's website that "Koeman’s style of play fits me."

Sadio Mane is an equally important signing for the Saints. Although he has come from the relatively unknown Austrian league, his attributes are clear. The 22-year-old Senegalese winger will provide the Saints with pace on the flanks and a more traditional route to goal; something they have noticeably been lacking for many years.

This physicality is coupled with a fantastic goalscoring record of 45 goals in 87 appearances for Salzburg.

Southampton have often lacked width due to not fielding traditional wingers, and it seems that the investment in Mane is a clear sign of Koeman trying to address the style of play

Last season Jay Rodriguez was often deployed on the left with Adam Lallana central and Steven Davis in a nominal right-sided midfield role which often left attacks imbalanced as Davis is not an archetypal winger.

Mane is capable of playing on either wing and will certainly add another dimension to attack—he is likely to get to the byline and provide ammunition for new centre-forward Graziano Pelle.

It is clear therefore that Southampton have reinvested their money well after losing key players. Saints chairman Ralph Kruger believes the squad is actually stronger than last season.

He recently told BBC Sport: "Last season we played from a starting 11 and there was not much behind it. We have a team now which is filled with character and, we feel, more depth.”

Only time will tell, but it seems that the new-look Southampton should be on course for another successful season.