Southampton’s £3m signing faces uncertainty, Birmingham City”, Sheffield United & Stoke City warned to watch

Southampton have turned their season around after a poor start, climbing into the Championship play-off picture with just seven games left—largely thanks to the guidance of German head coach Tonda Eckert.

The Saints struggled under former boss Will Still, whose tenure was marked by inconsistency despite overseeing the summer transfer window. Still repeatedly alternated between a back three and back four, failing to establish a clear system, which ultimately hindered results.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Birmingham City are facing a disappointing first season back in the Championship, with play-off hopes fading. Their defence has been rotated heavily, featuring as many as ten different players this season. New signing Phil Neumann from Hannover 96 has struggled to secure a starting spot, with Christopher Klarer, Jack Robinson, and Jonathan Panzo preferred in central defence.

With Robinson aging at 32, Panzo only on loan, and Neumann’s future uncertain, Birmingham could look to bolster their back line long-term, and Southampton’s £3 million centre-back Nathan Wood could fit the bill. Wood’s style would complement Klarer, and the Blues would likely be able to afford both his fee and wages.

Should Chris Davies depart as head coach, Russell Martin could be a potential replacement. Martin previously worked with Wood at both Swansea City and Southampton, making him a likely candidate to bring the centre-back along.

Under Eckert, Southampton have predominantly used a 4-2-3-1 back four, which has coincided with improved performances. However, this tactical shift has limited Wood’s opportunities. With the recall of James Bree and the preference for Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jack Stephens in central defence, Wood’s future at St Mary’s remains uncertain.

FLW has identified three potential clubs likely to target the 23-year-old this summer, with Birmingham City among them.