If Southampton stay up, Ralph Hasenhuttl has a rebuilding project on his hands to ensure another season like this is avoided.
In January, Southampton got rid of several first-team players and failed to bring in any replacements, surely weakening their hand in the relegation battle.
One player that departed was Cedric Soares, who joined Inter Milan on loan with a view to buy.
Cedric’s form at Southampton had been patchy this season but his experience would have been useful in a relegation scrap and his presence would have added depth.
Southampton did not manage to bring in a replacement in January, leaving teenager Yan Valery as the only senior right-back in the squad.
Ahead of the next transfer window opening, Southampton have been linked with Nantes right-back Enock Kwateng, as per Goal France.
And with the print edition of The Mirror – via HITC Sport – reporting that the 21-year-old will cost £4.5m, this seems a no-brainer.
Kwateng has been a regular for Nantes in Ligue 1 this season, playing 21 times in the French top division.
Cedric is likely to depart Southampton on a permanent basis in the summer so Kwateng would slot in as a like-for-like replacement.
And with a blend of youth and experience, the France under-20 starlet could compete with fellow countryman Valery for the starting spot.
If the Saints brought in Kwateng for a bargain £4.5m, their right-back slot would be sorted for the long-term future.