"Make quite a few changes" - Journalist drops exciting Southampton verdict on Sport Republic

Southampton owners Sport Republic ‘need to make quite a few changes’ on the pitch and behind the scenes at St Mary’s, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Sport Republic, led by Dragan Solak, completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Saints during the early days of 2022.

Following Sport Republic’s big-money takeover, Southampton chief executive Martin Semmens claimed the alteration behind the scenes was the ‘perfect solution’ after two years of searching for a new investor.

However, things have not gone to plan on the pitch as Saints are now just six points clear of the Premier League’s relegation zone.

The south coast club have slipped down the table thanks to a wretched run of form which has seen them suffer four defeats in their last five outings ahead of visiting Leicester City on the final day of the campaign this weekend.

Southampton’s problems in front of goal is emphasised by the fact James Ward-Prowse, a central midfielder, is their top scorer this season.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has revealed that Sport Republic will allow him to move quicker on transfer targets in the upcoming summer window, but Semmens has warned it does not necessarily mean the club will be able to spend considerable sums on arrivals.

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O’Rourke believes Sport Republic will be excited ahead of the summer transfer window opening for business next month.

The journalist feels this season’s performances have shown Southampton need to add reinforcements.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Obviously, the new ownership at Southampton will be looking forward to their first transfer window at the club this summer.

“I think they do need to