'We never expected, nor desired, to go down buyer's route'

Southampton's deadline day ended as expected - inactive. In terms of incomings, anyhow.

In truth, we never expected, nor desired, to go down the buyer's route in our current position. With relegation almost a certainty, it would not have made sense financially. When Ivan Juric arrived, he commented on his eagerness to trim the bloated squad. And he has done just that.

Gavin Bazunu joined Belgian side Standard Liege on loan - a move that suits everyone, especially Bazunu. After being sidelined for nine months with a ruptured Achilles and with summer signing Aaron Ramsdale not likely to be replaced any time soon, Bazunu will get regular football and be ready to return in the Championship next season.

Promising academy graduate Sam Amo-Ameyaw was loaned to Strasbourg, with an obligation to buy. The loan in itself was expected given his lack of time under Juric. The obligation is hard to take.

Southampton's youth set-up has always been recognised as one of the leaders in the country, but has been a far cry from the likes of Theo Walcott or Adam Lallana. That is a major worry under this ownership. Amo-Ameyaw joins a long list of highly rated players moved on prematurely. We could end up regretting this decision.

A deal to send Adam Armstrong to West Bromwich Albion was confirmed on Tuesday. Armstrong has once again failed to impress in the top flight, scoring just three. A short-term loan with plenty of games should hopefully boost his confidence and get him finding the net again.

Left-back Welington formally arrived at the start of this window, while Denmark international Albert Gronbaek joined on loan from Rennes (let's hope that one becomes permanent). Both featured in the win at Ipswich and slotted in nicely.

I would have liked to have seen a centre-back arrive to plug the gaps of recent injuries in that area, but I was not too dismayed when a loan bid for Strasbourg central defender Abakar Sylla collapsed towards the end of the window.

Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast