Tom Fellows moving from West Brom to Southampton doesn't make sense for one clear Will Still reason | OneFootball

Questions loom about how the winger will fit into the Saints' system

Southampton are on the verge of completing a deal for West Bromwich Albion winger Tom Fellows before the EFL transfer deadline on Monday.

The Saints have reportedly agreed a fee in the region of £10 million, with a sell-on clause included, to bring the 22-year-old to St Mary’s.

The move represents a significant show of ambition in the final days of the window. Daily Echo journalist Alfie House first reported Southampton’s interest, before The Athletic confirmed progress in talks and the fee.

The Fellows deal comes alongside a flurry of late business, with Mateus Fernandes leaving for West Ham, Caspar Jander arriving from Nurnberg, and a £15 million move for Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz also close to completion.

For Fellows, the move follows a breakthrough season at The Hawthorns in which he registered 14 Championship assists, the joint-highest tally in the division. His creativity and direct running had also attracted interest from Everton earlier in the summer, though the Merseyside club ultimately chose not to pursue the player.

Southampton, however, now look set to make Fellows one of their marquee late-window signings.

Tom Fellows transfer casts tactical doubts over role in Will Still’s system

The problem with the transfer is not Fellows’ talent, but how he fits into Will Still’s tactical blueprint. Since arriving at St Mary’s, Still has leaned heavily on a back-three system with wing-backs, building a compact defensive base and relying on pace in transition.

That structure, while flexible, does not offer an obvious role for a natural right winger such as Fellows.

At Reims, Still frequently used a 4-2-3-1, favouring wide players who could stretch the pitch and support aggressive counter-pressing. By contrast, his early work at Southampton has prioritised three central defenders and midfield overloads. In a 3-4-3 or 5-3-2 shape, width typically comes from wingbacks rather than orthodox wingers.

Unless Still plans a tactical shift, Fellows risks being a luxury addition without a clear starting place.

There is also the question of Fellows’ defensive contribution. His profile shows clear attacking strength, but less encouraging numbers out of possession. Last season, he ranked in the 18th percentile for interceptions, 21st for blocks, and just the 9th for aerial duels won.

Those are not the statistics of a player naturally suited to the physical and defensive demands of a wingback role in the Championship.

Why Will Still may still see a role for Tom Fellows at Southampton

There are, however, reasons to believe Still has identified a place for Fellows. The Saints lack depth in wide attacking areas, with Ryan Fraser the only proven senior option regularly trusted on the flank.

The departure of Tyler Dibling to Everton has also created a vacancy in the squad for a young, creative wide player. Fellows, who thrives in one v one situations and consistently produces chances fits that profile.

Still is also known for his tactical pragmatism. At Reims, he frequently adapted systems to exploit opponent's weaknesses, sometimes abandoning the back three for a four-man defence when chasing games or looking to dominate possession.

A shift to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 at Southampton would immediately open space for Fellows to operate in his best role.

Even if the back three remains the default, Fellows could be used as an impact substitute, offering pace and creativity against tiring defences. His ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas, suggests he can change games from the bench.

Ultimately, Southampton appear to be buying talent first, and system fit second. At £10 million, Fellows represents both a statement of ambition and a bet on potential resale value.

For Still, the challenge is finding a way to integrate him into a side that, so far, has been structured without a natural place for wingers.