Ben Johnson signs: 3 dreamy yet realistic Southampton FC transfers the club should make this summer | OneFootball

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Southampton's recruitment team will have begun looking at suitable players to sign in the summer.

The calibre of players that Southampton will be looking at will ultimately come down to what league they're playing in next season, but the club can still plan ahead tentatively.

Southampton were exceptional during the middle part of the season, but slow starts and a poor end to the season have ensured that if they're to win promotion, it'll have to be done via the play-offs.

Russell Martin will know there are certain areas of his squad he wishes to strengthen this summer, and with that in mind, here are 3 realistic yet dreamy transfers the Saints could make this summer.

Joel Piroe

The Dutch forward joined Leeds United from Swansea City last summer, but hasn't quite got going at Elland Road, and some supporters have been a little disappointed with his performances.

Whilst Southampton certainly haven't struggled for goals from Adam Armstrong and Che Adams this season, Piroe's ability to drop a bit deeper and score from distance could make him a tempting target for Saints this summer, particularly as Adams is set to leave the club.

More importantly though, Saints boss Russell Martin worked with Piroe for two years at Swansea City, and Martin definitely got the best out of him, something which Daniel Farke is yet to do at Elland Road, and the pair enjoyed a good working relationship in south Wales.

If Leeds were to get promoted, you wouldn't bet against them allowing Piroe to leave the club, whether that be on loan or on a permanent basis, and you'd have thought that Martin would jump at the chance to be reunited with the forward who scored 20 plus goals in both of his seasons at Swansea.

Manuel Benson

Burnley winger Manuel Benson was linked with a January move to St Mary's, but a deal fell through, and the Belgian remained at Turf Moor.

However, it's been a very difficult campaign for the 27-year-old, and he's really struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, despite an impressive 2022/23 Championship campaign with the Clarets.

If Saints aren't promoted to the Premier League, Benson would be a great addition to their squad, and it remains to be seen what the future holds for him at Burnley, given a lack of playing time this season.

You'd have thought that if the Clarets were relegated they'd want to keep Benson, but the player may be looking for a fresh start this summer after a disappointing campaign.

during Burnley's 2022/23 Championship winning campaign, it would be a real coup for the Saints, and Russell Martin is clearly keen on the player after past links.

Ben Johnson

West Ham right-back Ben Johnson has been the subject of Championship interest throughout this season, and Southampton are one of a few clubs keen on signing the 24-year-old.

The Hammers man has been out of favour this season, and hasn't played as often as he'd have wished, so he may be keen to depart the London Stadium this summer.

Saints currently have Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back, but he'll almost certainly be the subject of transfer interest this summer, particularly if the club fail to win promotion.

With just a year left on his deal at St Mary's, Saints may be forced to sell Walker-Peters this summer to avoid losing him on a free, and Ben Johnson could be the perfect replacement.