Southampton should target transfer for Reading FC player to kickstart Will Still era | OneFootball

Southampton FC should target a transfer for Reading's versatile Senegalese defender, Amadou Mbengue, to kickstart Will Still era

Southampton FC should make Reading's versatile Senegalese defender, Amadou Mbengue, a primary transfer target to kick-start the Will Still era.

With Southampton set to lose at least three of their defenders this summer, Still will no doubt be keen to boost his defensive options ahead of pre-season. Having already agreed a deal with Hoffenheim for centre-back Joshua Quarshie, the work is already underway. Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Jan Bednarek are all likely to leave the club during this window.

Harwood-Bellis is wanted by at least two Premier League clubs

According to talkSPORT, Harwood-Bellis has already been linked with moves to Crystal Palace and West Ham. If Newcastle complete the signing of Marc Guehi this summer, as reported in The Sun, Harwood-Bellis may just be an ideal replacement. Having made his England debut as a Southampton player, the 23-year-old former Manchester City Academy graduate will not want to be plying his trade in the Championship next season.

Walker-Peters is out of contract and available as a free agent. Fulham are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old right wing-back.

£6 million relegation release clause triggered

Relegation to the Championship has triggered a £6 million release clause in Bednarek's contract, according to multiple sources. As yet, it appears that Southampton have not received any offers for the 28-year-old Polish international centre-back, although AS Roma were allegedly sniffing around during the January transfer window, according to the Daily Echo.

All this makes signing a versatile defender absolutely vital. Reading's agile Senegalese defender, Amadou Salif Mbengue, to use his full name, looks to be a perfect signing for Still's men.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship, Reading may need to sell one of their most prized assets. Mbengue is certainly in that bracket.

Mbengue's performances at Reading have been outstanding this season

According to FotMob.com, the 23-year-old's average rating for the 2024/25 season was 7.22. For defensive actions, Mbengue scored 84%, compared with other defenders in League One. Despite not claiming any assists, the Senegalese defender created 10 chances last season, an average per game of 0.31. He also popped up with a well-taken right-footed goal against Crawley Town back in October.

Mbengue may already be known to Still. Still was assistant manager at Stade de Reims during the 2021/22 season whilst Mbengue was at fellow Ligue One club, Metz.

A passionate and extroverted young man, Mbengue has endeared himself to the Royals fans through his performances and after-match celebrations.

Adding Mbengue could create defensive options

Although mostly used in his preferred centre-back position, Still would have the option of playing Mbengue further forward as a defensive midfielder. With his undoubted pace and athleticism, he could even be converted into a full-back or wing-back.

Despite the expected departures, the Saints still have some quality to call upon. New addition Quarshie, Jack Stephens, Nathan Wood, Joachim Kayi-Sanda, and the estranged Armel Bella-Kotchap may all be challenging for a spot in Still's first eleven during pre-season, without the addition of Mbengue.

But, now is not only the time to start to build a team at Southampton that will challenge for promotion, but also to build a squad that can adapt to the demands of the Premier League once they are there.