Southampton eye Nelson Deossa as Shea Charles departs

Southampton have identified Nelson Deossa as the primary target to bolster their midfield following the highprofile departure of Shea Charles. The 26-year-old Real Betis midfielder is a top priority for the club as they look to reshape their squad before the final week of the transfer window.

The move follows the significant sale of the 22-year-old Shea Charles to Fulham in a deal that could reach up to £30m. The Saints are eager to find a proven replacement who can fill the void left by the young midfielder. Tonda Eckert is currently overseeing the search to ensure the squad remains competitive for the grueling campaign ahead.

Deossa offers a level of experience that would be highly valued in the Championship environment. Having joined Real Betis last summer under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, he has proven he can compete in top-flight Spanish football. His physical and technical profile is particularly attractive to the Southampton staff looking for specific tactical upgrades.

Statistical comparisons suggest that Deossa provides a different dynamic compared to Charles. He notably wins more ground duels than Shea Charles did, and he maintains a significantly higher volume of successful dribbles per 90 minutes than the former Southampton midfielder. These attributes suggest he could provide a more driving, ball-carrying presence in the center of the park.

Southampton are not the only club in the race for the Spanish international. Premier League side West Ham and Championship rivals Wolves have also expressed interest in signing Deossa this summer. Also, the interest extends beyond England, with Olympiacos and River Plate also monitoring the situation closely.

While Manuel Pellegrini is currently pursuing other targets to strengthen the Betis squad, the potential for a move remains high for Southampton. The club is prepared to offer a substantial fee to secure the player, but they must act quickly with only one week remaining to handle the negotiations.

The pursuit of Deossa comes at a time when Southampton are looking to maintain their momentum. While the team is currently sidelined without Caspar Jander, the depth in the midfield is becoming a focal point. The goal is to ensure the transition from the Charles era is seamless without disrupting the tactical continuity.

Looking back at the context of the previous campaign, Southampton finished with a strong league standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Championship, 80 pts, 22W-14D-10L from 46 games, recent form WDWDD. Despite being 15 points behind leaders Coventry, their last result of a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough (2026-05-12) showed they are capable of competing at the top end.

Southampton performance stats and form

The next steps for the Saints will depend on whether they can outbid West Ham and Wolves for the Betis midfielder. If the deal progresses, Deossa will provide the much-needed energy Eckert seeks. If not, the club may need to look at alternative options before the deadline to maintain their promotion push.