HULL, ENGLAND - APRIL 29: (L-R) Swansea City manager Russell Martin embraces Nathan Wood of Swansea City after the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Swansea City at the MKM Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Hull, England. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
Southampton are showing no signs of slowing down their summer recruitment, now being linked with one of Russell Martin’s former players. They have already made Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan from Manchester City permanent, and former player Adam Lallana will join as a free agent after his Brighton contract expires. Additionally, a deal for Brentford attacking midfielder Saman Ghoddos is imminent as his contract ends in June.
Russell Martin appears to prioritize Premier League experience in the summer transfer window, with Southampton also close to securing a deal for 30-year-old Ryan Fraser following his successful loan spell.
Martin is now set to target one of Swansea City’s brightest young talents, having spent nearly two years as Swansea’s manager starting in August 2021 after his first managerial role at MK Dons. During his time at Swansea, Martin first encountered Flynn Downes, the 25-year-old who excelled on loan at St Mary’s last season and whom Southampton are keen to sign.
According to journalist Darren Witcoop, Martin plans to raid his former club for central defender Nathan Wood. Witcoop mentioned on ‘X’: “Southampton boss Russell Martin will return to former club Swansea to attempt again to sign Nathan Wood. Martin has already seen two bids knocked back by the Swans but is now confident of landing the defender this summer.” Despite signing Harwood-Bellis, Southampton currently have only three senior centre-backs, making it logical for them to target at least one more this summer.
Southampton boss Russell Martin will return to former club Swansea to attempt again to sign Nathan Wood. Martin has already seen two bids knocked back by the Swans but is now confident of landing the defender this summer. #soton #southampton #scfc #swansea
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) June 16, 2024
Swansea signed Wood during the 2022 summer transfer window, with Martin identifying the young defender as capable of executing his style of playing out from the back.
Now 22 years old, Wood has already amassed 101 senior appearances and earned three caps for England’s under-21 team. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, he possesses a strong physical presence and is exceptionally comfortable on the ball, making him a valuable addition to Southampton, particularly given his familiarity with Martin’s defensive expectations.
Due to his age, Wood is expected to continue improving, and Martin’s strong interest in bringing him to Southampton underscores his belief in the player, whom he entrusted with a debut in Swansea’s first Championship game of the 2022/23 season.
Reflecting on Wood’s debut performance, Martin praised his contributions, stating: “I think Harry [Darling] really grew after the goal. He got better and better, and Nathan Wood was absolutely outstanding. Everyone will talk about Harry because of the goal, but Nathan was excellent. You have to consider he is a young man who has only been with us for six weeks in a new way of working and playing, and we are really excited about him and Harry.”
Having had two previous bids rejected last summer, Southampton will be optimistic that their third attempt to secure Wood’s services will prove successful.
