£25k-a-week Southampton FC star could be big winner of Joe Aribo exit plan | OneFootball

Southampton could be set to lose Joe Aribo this summer, which could provide an opportunity for another one of their midfielder's to step up

Southampton are preparing for life back in the Championship after suffering a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign.

The Saints have a new face in the dugout, with Will Still entrusted as the man to take the club forward into the new season.

A number of players could be set to leave St. Mary’s this summer, as is often the case with sides relegated from the top-flight.

Players such as Tyler Dibling, Mateus Fernandes and Aaron Ramsdale are all likely candidates to exit, and Southampton could be set to make a similar amount to the £145 million they brought in after their last relegation.

Joe Aribo is another player who is reportedly up for sale this summer, three years after joining the Saints from Scottish giants Rangers.

The 28-year-old is approaching the final year of his contract at St. Mary’s and if he is sold, could open the doors for others to fight their way into Still’s starting 11.

Will Smallbone could be set for a Southampton resurgence

Another player who only has a year left on his deal with Southampton is Will Smallbone.

The 25-year-old was a standout performer the last time the Saints operated out of the Championship, playing 46 times during the 2023/24 campaign as Russell Martin’s side achieved promotion via the play-offs.

However, he didn’t manage to hold on to his place in the Premier League, playing just 18 times en route to relegation.

The Irish international came through the youth ranks at St. Mary’s and will be determined to earn himself a contract extension next season.

With Aribo’s exit rumoured, it could open up the door for Smallbone to prove himself once more, which would benefit both the player and club, as they wouldn’t need to fork out on a replacement.

His athletic, powerful nature is suited to the physical warzone of a Championship midfield battle, which could make him a crucial element in Still’s side next year.

The midfielder, who is estimated to earn £25k-a-week at St Mary's, knows what it takes to get promoted out of the division and isn’t likely to be pushing for an exit this summer, which means that Southampton can start planning for next season with Smallbone included.

Losing Aribo won’t be ideal for the South Coast outfit, given his proven quality, but it could be just what another one of their midfield stars needs to get their career back on track.

Will Still could rely on Will Smallbone’s expertise next season

The Championship is likely to be as hotly contested for as ever next season, with promoted clubs enjoying high ambitions in the form of Birmingham City and Wrexham adding an extra element of competition.

Therefore, sides at the top will need to use everything inside their squad to achieve optimal results.

If Still does have to sell a number of the Saints’ stars, it may be worth his while to increase Smallbone’s importance in the squad.

It would cost the club a deal of money to buy proven experience in the division, and it wouldn’t make sense to do so when they have a midfielder in their ranks that has already performed competitively in the Championship.

As a result, next season could make for somewhat of a resurgence for Smallbone at St. Mary’s.