The Saints were denied the chance to compete in the Championship play-off final last season, as a result of the 'Spygate' scandal, which means they will start next season with a four-point deduction.
However, promotion should still be achievable, despite the setback, with Tonda Eckert's side amassing 47 points in their final 20 Championship matches, which was four more than any other team.
It will be important for Eckert to get his recruitment right this summer though, and one of Ipswich Town's 2025-26 promotion winners has now emerged as a target.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Southampton have now opened talks regarding a deal for Ivan Azon, who currently plays for Como, with the Italian side set to take part in next season's Champions League.
Discussions are ongoing, and a deal could amount to around €9m - €10m (£8m - £9m).
Football FanCast's Verdict
Credibility
With the news coming from trusted transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, it is more likely to be accurate. Signing Azon would also make a great deal of sense, considering he was a part of the Ipswich side that won promotion from the Championship last season.
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Finances
A deal in the region of £9m is unlikely to break the bank for the Saints, considering they are still getting parachute payments from the Premier League. Moreover, they could be set to sell Shea Charles for £25m, which would raise their budget further.
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Insight
The Zaragoza-born forward is a striker by trade, and he made 38 Championship appearances en-route to the Tractor Boys achieving promotion. Kieran McKenna described him as "outstanding" after a 4-1 victory against Swansea City back in November.
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Impact
Ben Brereton Diaz was sent out on loan to Derby County last season, suggesting he doesn't have much of a future at St. Mary's. As such, the Como striker could be brought in as a replacement.
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Why Ivan Azon could be a risky signing for Southampton
The Spaniard was a first-team regular for Ipswich last season, but despite predominantly featuring as a striker, he only managed to amass five goals and four assists in 38 Championship outings.
A return of nine goal involvements over a 46-game season isn't particularly impressive, especially considering he majorly underperformed an xG of 11.5 and missed 21 big chances, which was more than any other Championship player.
That said, it is a positive sign the centre-forward was getting in the positions to score in the first place, and he did contribute with his work-rate, according to McKenna, who said: "He’s determined and hard-working, he’s got all the attributes to succeed at this level."
As such, Azon could be an astute signing for Southampton, if he is able to stop squandering so many good opportunities.
2 weeks ago
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