Southampton announced the sacking of Will Still on Sunday and are now looking for their next manager, but that hasn't stopped the Saints from bringing in a new signing
Southampton are poised to welcome back Oriol Romeu on a free transfer - the day after their sacking manager. Will Still was given the chop on Sunday after just 16 games in charge, of which he only won four.
The Saints' last victory came in September and their dismal run of form leaves them three points above the Championship relegation zone. But Southampton hope that Romeu's return will help change their fortunes and fire them back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Having been released by Barcelona this summer, Romeu, 34, is a free agent. The midfielder spent last season on loan at Girona, playing in the Spanish top flight and Champions League.
Romeu featured 37 times for Barcelona in the 2023-24 campaign, having impressed with Girona the season prior. That was after the ex-Chelsea prospect left Southampton following seven seasons on the south coast in August 2022.
Now he's back, with reports indicating that his medical is due to take place on either Monday or Tuesday. Romeu will then sign a contract until the end of this season, with an option to extend his stay until June 2027.
This summer, Romeu briefly reunited with his former team-mates at Southampton's training camp in Girona. In a video posted on the club's social media channels, the Spaniard was seen catching up with Adam Armstrong, Will Smallbone and Jack Stephens.
"I'm training tomorrow, but we have to go somewhere," a beaming Romeu told them. "We have to meet up and catch up. I'll come and see you."
Romeu kept up his fitness at Barcelona over the summer, despite not being part of boss Hansi Flick's plans. In September, Barca announced that they'd agreed to terminate his contract.
Who should Southampton hire as their next manager? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
After finalising Romeu's return, Southampton's focus will be appointing a successor to Still. The Saints had high expectations when they hired the 33-year-old, who'd made his name in France managing Lens and Reims.
After winning his first two games, Still quickly ran into trouble at St Mary's. Three defeats on the bounce away to Bristol City and Blackburn Rovers, and finally at home to Preston North End, saw the curtain come down on his short tenure.
Southampton have been linked with Michael Carrick and Brendan Rodgers, and ex-managers Russell Martin and Ralph Hasenhuttl. The Saints are back in action on Wednesday at Queens Park Rangers.