Southampton are close to re-signing Oriol Romeu on a contract until the end of the season.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Southampton are preparing to sign midfielder Oriol Romeu on a free transfer. The Spanish player will undergo a medical and is expected to sign a contract until the end of this season, with an option to extend until June 2027.

The decision was made immediately after the changes on the coaching bench.

The move to recruit Romeu comes as Southampton have just sacked manager Will Still after 16 games in charge, winning only 4. The club is currently very close to the relegation zone in the Championship and needs an immediate boost to stabilize their performance. After Will Still left the manager's position, U21 coach Tonda Eckert was appointed to temporarily lead the first team.

Romeu's profile: former Saints mainstay, experience is an asset.

Romeu is no stranger to St Mary's. He spent seven seasons with The Saints, making over 250 appearances between 2015 and 2022, before returning to FC Barcelona and leaving the club as a free agent. Prior to that, Romeu also played for Barcelona and Chelsea.

Returning to Southampton, Romeu is expected to immediately add his playing experience, ability to control the tempo in midfield, and provide guidance for the young players. With the team lacking stability, a midfielder who understands the environment and the competitive demands of the club can help shorten the adaptation period during this intense season.

Why is this deal urgent for Southampton?

The re-signing of Romeu came right after the decision to change coaches, reflecting the management's determination to salvage the season. With the team's playing style disrupted and morale in need of a refresh, a midfielder capable of controlling the tempo is a crucial link in helping the team better control the game and minimize errors in the midfield.

Romeu could also become a bridge between the past and the future: understanding the club's culture and supporting the young players to mature faster under the pressure of the relegation battle. That's the value Southampton is hoping for from this free transfer.

Key contract points and timelines

• Form of transfer: free transfer.
• Medical check-up: will be conducted before signing.
• Duration: Until the end of this season, with an option to extend until June 2027.
• Source: Journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Short-term impact and long-term goals

In the short term, Southampton needs to stabilize their mentality and improve their results. The presence of Romeu, with his experience at the club, could help The Saints reduce pressure and bring the team back to its basic principles in midfield.

In the long term, if the extension clause is activated, Southampton hopes to rebuild its core experience with the goal of promotion to the Premier League. In the context of the crisis, having a long-serving former key player is a logical choice to rebuild from the ground up.

Upcoming schedule

According to the schedule, Southampton's next opponent is Queens Park Rangers. This will be an immediate test for adjustments on the coaching bench and for the role that Romeu is expected to play if the formalities are completed in time.

Overview

• Southampton are set to reunite with Oriol Romeu on a free transfer.
• The contract is tentatively set to run until the end of the season, with an option to extend until June 2027.
• Background: Will Still was fired after 16 games, 4 wins.
• Tonda Eckert will temporarily take charge of the first team.
• Objective: To stabilize the team and improve results in order to avoid relegation.

If officially completed, this would be one of Southampton's most notable signings of the winter transfer window, with hopes that Romeu will help the team weather this difficult period and build momentum for the remainder of the season.