**Southampton Makes Third Attempt to Sign Defender**
Monday, 17th Jun 2024 08:39
Southampton is reportedly preparing a third bid for Swansea City’s central defender Nathan Wood after having two previous offers rejected. The question remains whether Wood is the right choice for their upcoming Premier League campaign.
Manager Russell Martin has long admired Wood and was responsible for bringing him to Swansea City in June 2022 for approximately £500k. Martin had also tried to sign him for MK Dons when he was their manager. Wood initially started his career with Middlesbrough but faced setbacks.
According to the72.co.uk, Martin is once again attempting to secure the 22-year-old defender. Details of the first two bids are unclear, but at least one was made last season.
Is Wood the right fit for Southampton? While he matches Martin’s criteria—being fast, pacy, and good with the ball—his current value is around £5 million, and at 22, he’s unproven at the highest level. Southampton already has central defenders Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jan Bednarek, and Jack Stephens. They also have high hopes for 20-year-old Nico Lawrence, although his loan at Colchester United was cut short due to an ankle injury.
Southampton needs experience and leadership in their defense, not another unproven youngster. Wood could be a cost-effective option with only a year left on his Swansea contract, but the success of Martin’s former Swansea players at Southampton has been mixed. Flynn Downes has proven to be Premier League standard, whereas Ryan Manning had an inconsistent season and may struggle to step up to the Premier League level.
If Nathan Wood joins Southampton, it should be seen as a squad addition rather than a signing for a first-choice position.
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