Club legend critiques Southampton's transfer strategy after Welington signing | OneFootball

Francis Benali, in his Daily Echo column has criticised Southampton's current transfer strategy. Benali isn't convinced with Welington's signing given there are a host of leftback options at the club.

This week, Southampton announced the signing of Brazil's U23 star Welington from Sao Paulo. The leftback became the first January signing for the Saints and expressed his excitement to be a part of the club's youth academy.

While the move is certainly one for the future, not everyone is fully convinced with the addition of a defender. Especially not Southampton legend Francis Benali, who believes that another left-back wouldn't ensure any current sporting benefits to the club.

Club legend critiques Southampton's transfer strategy after Welington signing

Though Benali didn't hold anything against Welington, he criticised Southampton's transfer strategy in his Daily Echo column.

Benali said: "I have not seen him play and would not be able to pass judgement on his ability, his arrival is another example of Southampton’s poor recruitment."

The reason being that there are already three left-backs available apart from Welington. Benali highlighted that even two left-backs would have been enough for the entire Premier League season.

Continuing, Benali said: "While depth is desired, particularly in the modern game, Saints have a packed squad but too many of the players are at the same level and occupy the same positions."

Currently, Welington is expected to link up with Southampton's youth teams but his promotion to the first team could happen quickly. Though much of it depends on Kyle Walker-Peters future as well.

Ivan Juric has given his stance about keeping Walker-Peters beyond this season but that isn't completely assured. The best choice would be to give Walker-Peters a new contract and continue the development of Welington with the U21 team.