Why Ramos Mingo is on Southampton’s list – A closer look at the Argentine defender

Southampton are keeping a close eye on Santiago Ramos Mingo, as previously reported. Understanding who the defender is helps explain why his name keeps resurfacing in European discussions. 

The Argentine has become an important figure in Bahia’s defensive system and is now drawing attention for reasons that go beyond simple market opportunity.

Ramos Mingo has stood out in Brazil thanks to a combination of defensive aggression, composure on the ball and tactical maturity. That’s caught Southampton’s attention.

Those traits have helped elevate his status within South American football and explain why clubs in Europe continue to monitor his development closely.

Modern left-sided defender

Ramos Mingo is a left-footed centre-back who operates primarily on the left side of defence. He is known for his aggression in duels, strong positioning and ability to read the game. These traits are reflected in his consistent numbers for interceptions, clearances and aerial duels won.

Across the current season, he averaged 2.3 ball recoveries per game and 4.5 clearances per match. Those are numbers that underline his involvement and reliability inside his own box. He combines that activity with good timing in challenges and rarely commits costly errors, having yet to concede a goal or a penalty through individual mistakes.

All that goes along with vocal leadership, organising the back line and maintaining intensity throughout matches. His aerial ability stands out both defensively for Southampton and at set pieces, helped by strong leap and timing.

Comfort on the ball and build-up quality

What separates Ramos Mingo from many traditional defenders is his confidence in possession. He is comfortable stepping out from the back, carrying the ball forward and playing progressive passes to break opposition lines. Operating on the left allows him to open angles naturally, helping Bahia build attacks with more fluidity.

He is capable of playing all sorts of passes, often choosing forward options rather than recycling possession. Ramos Mingo averaged 48.4 completed passes per game, with an accuracy rate of 89%, often opting for forward or line-breaking options rather than safe distribution. 

Ramos Mingo himself has previously described his style as that of an aggressive, left-footed defender who enjoys building from the back and taking responsibility in possession.

That profile fits teams that prioritise controlled build-up and defenders who contribute to the first phase of attacking play. 

From Europe to Brazil – and back Southampton radar

Despite being only 23, Ramos Mingo already has significant international experience. Developed at Boca Juniors, he later moved to Barcelona B, where he gained tactical education and exposure to a possession-based style. 

A spell in Belgium followed before his return to South America with Defensa y Justicia, a move that helped relaunch his career.

Bahia secured his signing in 2025, and since then he has adapted quickly to Brazilian football, overcoming early physical challenges and establishing himself as a regular starter. 

His progress has not gone unnoticed by Southampton, and his Italian passport adds further appeal for European clubs assessing future moves.

With consistent performances, clear tactical identity and room for further development, Ramos Mingo’s next steps remain open, as interest from Europe continues to build.