Southampton Football Club's focus this week is split between a disappointing Carabao Cup exit and ongoing transfer activity. The Saints were beaten 4-1 by West Ham United at St Mary's on Tuesday night, while the club is nearing a deal for German defender Keven Schlotterbeck.
Southampton took an early lead against West Ham but ultimately suffered a heavy defeat. Léo Scienza put Saints ahead in the tenth minute, but two goals from West Ham's Joshua Ajala and further strikes from Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen secured a 4-1 win for the visitors. The result ended Southampton's involvement in this season's competition at the second round stage.
Manager Tonda Eckert had hinted at changes before the tie but insisted his team would play to win. "We play to win every single game, independent of the competition, so we make sure that we put in a good performance on Tuesday," Eckert said. The defeat leaves Southampton with a record of one win and one loss from their two competitive matches this week, a form mirrored in their early Championship results where they sit 24th with one win and one loss.
Southampton are closing in on the signing of centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck from Bundesliga side FC Augsburg. The move for the 29-year-old German is not intended as a direct replacement for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who has been linked with a departure. Schlotterbeck has made 49 appearances for Augsburg since joining in 2024, scoring three goals.
Eckert addressed the situation around Harwood-Bellis after Tuesday's match. "We are having conversations," the manager revealed. "Let's see how the next days go and maybe we will have something to announce." The potential arrival of Schlotterbeck could see 22-year-old defender Joshua Quarshie sent out on loan to gain experience.
Tonda Eckert confirmed he would assess his squad before the West Ham match after several players completed their first full 90 minutes of the season. Speaking after Saturday's 3-1 Championship win over Stoke City, the manager noted the workload of players like Finn Azaz, Nathan Wood, Cyle Larin, Tom Fellows, Kuryu Matsuki and Flynn Downes. "That doesn't mean that they don't get minutes," Eckert clarified. "I'm not sure they will all start, but let's see."
The manager acknowledged West Ham's quality despite their slow start to the league season. "There is no doubt about the quality they have in the team, but you have seen with the results that it's not easy," he added. "This league is not easy, and having a good squad doesn't mean you win football games." Southampton's next test comes quickly as they host league leaders Millwall this Saturday, a match where they'll aim to close the current seven-point gap to the top.
The club has opened bookings for its October half-term Saints Soccer Schools. The club announced sessions for boys and girls aged 5 to 13, featuring the return of 'James Ward-Prowse Wednesdays' to celebrate the midfielder's re-signing. These sessions focus on passing, receiving and technical skills, including the Bargate Free Kick Challenge.
Participants train with FA accredited coaches and are added to the Saints Player Progression Pathway. The soccer schools include matches, mini tournaments and chances to win signed merchandise, all built around what the club describes as 'fun, friendship and excitement' while learning to play 'The Southampton Way'.
Attention now turns to Saturday's Championship fixture against table-topping Millwall at St Mary's. Southampton will look to improve their league position from 24th, where they currently have a minus one point deduction. The Saints have scored four goals and conceded three in their opening two league games, giving them a positive goal difference despite their lowly standing. A positive result against the leaders could provide vital momentum as Southampton seeks to climb the table.
