Southampton’s Summer Transfer Dilemma: Who Should Be Kept, Sold, or Loaned? | OneFootball

Southampton are set for a major overhaul this summer. From players to backroom staff, the club must massively shift and separate itself from the horrors of the past season. To begin, the club must decide whether the players are capable or need to be sold for the best interest of the club.

Several factors need to be taken into account when making these decisions: contract situations, playing time, individual motivation to stay or leave, and the willingness to adapt to new manager Will Still’s philosophy. With these elements in mind, it’s time to assess the current squad and determine who should stay and who should go.

Goalkeepers

Aaron Ramsdale – The English international has been central to all twelve points Southampton have earned this season. Without the 27-year-old, the club would be in a far worse position. However, with reports suggesting he has no intention of playing in the Championship – and the chance to recoup his original transfer fee – it’s a loss the club must accept, especially given his high wages.Verdict: Sell (£25m)

Alex McCarthy – His heroics during last season’s playoff run earned him a new two-year deal. While he may not be Premier League quality, the experienced Englishman remains a reliable option as a second-choice keeper in the Championship.Verdict: Keep

Joe Lumley – Despite being the third choice, the 30-year-old made his Premier League debut this season. With his contract expiring this summer, a renewal makes sense to maintain depth in the goalkeeping department.Verdict: Keep

Current Southampton Squad After Goalkeeper Decisions

Defenders

Jan Bednarek – Captain for much of the season, and it may have been his last on the South Coast. A reported £6m release clause, activated after relegation, has attracted interest from several clubs.Verdict: Sell (£6m)

Jack Stephens – A poor start to the season saw him pick up two reckless red cards, but he’s since redeemed himself with improved performances. Committed to the club, he’s made his intentions clear to help lead Southampton back to the Premier League.Verdict: Keep

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Now represented by new agents, the Englishman is keen to remain in the Premier League. With West Ham reportedly monitoring him, a move seems increasingly likely.Verdict: Sell (£20m)

Nathan Wood – His debut top-flight season has laid a solid foundation for a starting role next year. Signed for around £3 million, his steady performances have largely flown under the radar.Verdict: Keep

Armel Bella-Kotchap – Injury problems have plagued much of his Southampton career. Though recently fit, his limited minutes reflect his poor form, and it’s widely reported he wants to leave the club.Verdict: Sell (£7m)

Joachim Kayi-Sanda – Signed in January from sister club Valenciennes, the Frenchman has impressed with the under-21s, earning two senior Premier League appearances off the bench. One to watch next season.Verdict: Keep

James Bree – A reliable Championship-level full-back who also offers valuable depth across the entire backline.Verdict: Keep

Kyle Walker-Peters – It has already been reportedly confirmed that the full-back will depart on a free this summer.Verdict: Contract Expiry

Yukinari Sugawara – The Japanese international arrived with high expectations, but a dip in form and frequent errors saw him spend much of the season on the bench. While he has the potential to succeed in the Championship, he’ll likely have European options to consider.Verdict: Sell (£10m)

Ryan Manning – An underrated player this season, especially after the heavy criticism the year prior. He’s already expressed his intention to stay for the upcoming campaign.Verdict: Keep

Welington – Arriving in January with little known about him, the Brazilian has exceeded expectations with consistent, solid performances, despite occasionally being a bit reckless in possession.Verdict: Keep

Charlie Taylor – Signed on a free transfer to add experience, the defender has impressed in limited appearances with his defensive qualities. However, given how his season unfolded, a move away might be best for his career.Verdict: Sell/Loan

Juan Larios – Despite being sidelined from the senior squad by a long-term injury, he has made several appearances for the under-21s. The move hasn’t worked out for either side thus far, and a departure may be on the horizon.Verdict: Loan

Current Southampton Squad After Defender Decisions

Midfielders

Flynn Downes – A challenging season for Southampton’s best player last year, but the club must do everything to keep him for next season, despite indicating a desire to leave in January.Verdict: Keep

Lesley Ugochukwu – After revitalising his season at St Mary’s, the 21-year-old has been one of the brighter spots in a struggling Southampton side. With his loan expiring, it’s unlikely he’d consider a move to the Championship.Verdict: Contract Expiry

Will Smallbone – Despite a strong Championship campaign, the Irishman struggled with the step up to the Premier League, making just six starts. A return to the Championship seems likely to help him regain form.Verdict: Keep

Joe Aribo – Will Still’s high-intensity style may not suit the Nigerian midfielder, who could struggle to adapt. With just a year left on his contract, reports suggest he’s set to leave this summer.Verdict: Sell (£5m)

Mateus Fernandes – Calling him Southampton’s best player this season almost feels like an understatement—he’s been a level above the rest of the squad. While fans are desperate for him to stay, his quality and age make a summer departure almost inevitable.Verdict: Sell (£40m)

Albert Grønbaek – A promising debut quickly gave way to disappointment. Another questionable transfer by Sports Republic. Injuries hampered his season, and his limited involvement beforehand raised doubts about the need for the signing. Fortunately, the loan includes only an option to buy.Verdict: Contract Expiry

Current Southampton Squad After Midfielder Decisions

Forwards

Ross Stewart – His recent first goal is hopefully a sign of things to come. The Scotsman has already expressed his desire to play a key role in the upcoming Championship campaign.Verdict: Keep

Cameron Archer – A disappointing season, especially considering his price tag. He’s shown flashes of quality, and a year in the Championship could benefit both his development and Southampton’s promotion push.Verdict: Keep

Paul Onuachu – Despite scoring his first goals for the club, it seems best for both parties to part ways. Recovering his reported £18 million price tag will be extremely diffcult.Verdict: Sell (£6m)

Tyler Dibling – The youngster began the season with a breakthrough performance, but his form has since dipped due to defenders becoming more aware of his ability – sometimes even facing double marking from defenders. With many suitors, a departure seems likely.Verdict: Sell (£45m)

Kamaldeen Sulemana – Southampton’s record signing has yet to live up to expectations. While his creativity and skill on the ball are evident, his lack of end product is concerning. With neither party benefiting much from the move, a summer exit seems likely.Verdict: Sell (£12m)

Ryan Fraser – A signing made by Russell Martin has struggled to get in ever since the sacking of the Scottish manager. Whilst a move may be on the cards, a lack of a desire to leave might lead to another, hopefully successful, Championship season on the South Coast.Verdict: Keep

Dominic Ballard – A natural goal-scorer, but not yet at the physical level required for the Championship. Another loan move would be ideal to guarantee regular game time.Verdict: Loan

Current Southampton Squad After Forward Decisions

Loanees Returning

Gavin Bazunu – A knee injury cut short his January loan at Standard Liège this season – his second long-term setback in a year. After conceding 11 more goals than xGC in his last Championship spell, it may be time to consider a departure.Verdict: Loan/Sell

Ronnie Edwards – The leap from League One to the Premier League may have come too soon for the 22-year-old. However, a strong loan spell at QPR has highlighted his ability and potential significance for next season.Verdict: Keep

Shea Charles – His £15 million signing raised doubts after a lacklustre season under Russell Martin. However, a loan to Sheffield Wednesday proved hugely beneficial, he gained valuable experience and was voted their Player of the Year.Verdict: Keep

Cameron Bragg – Highly rated by the Southampton hierarchy, the youngster’s expected to go out on loan next season to gain valuable first-team experience.Verdict: Loan

Joe O’Brien Whitmarsh – Another youngster in search of game time. Given his signing last season, a loan move would be beneficial for his early development.Verdict: Loan

Adam Armstrong – After his best career season in the Championship, this year saw just one league goal. Still, he remains a proven goal machine at this level and could be crucial in the club’s promotion push.Verdict: Keep

Ben Brereton Díaz – A signing that has yet to experience a Premier League win, his disappointing stint led to a January loan move to Sheffield United.Verdict: Sell (£7m)

Samuel Edozie – An overall average season at RSC Anderlecht has left the former Manchester City Academy graduate’s future uncertain. As a potential option for squad depth, he could still compete with the starting players.Verdict: Keep

Juan – The Brazilian forward arrived last summer before being loaned to sister club Göztepe, where he produced 7 goals and 5 assists. He could be a useful and different type of option for Southampton next season.Verdict: Keep

Kuryu Matsuki – A fellow Göztepe loanee and a potential option for the Saints next season. The 22-year-old midfielder is seen to be a long-term signing with the upcoming season possibly proving the perfect opportunity to elevate his Saints career.Verdict: Keep

Final Southampton Squad After Entire Team Decision

Looking Forward

As Southampton prepare for life back in the Championship, the focus will shift from trimming the squad to rebuilding it. While deciding who stays and who goes is a crucial first step, it’s only half the equation. The club must now identify players who fit Will Still’s high-energy philosophy and possess the mental resilience required to thrive in one of the most demanding leagues in Europe. With a long season ahead and promotion the only goal, every signing must be measured not just by talent but by attitude, adaptability, and their ability to slot into a squad still recovering from the scars of relegation.

From free agents with experience to exciting young prospects and potential Premier League loanees, there are plenty of avenues to explore. The Championship requires depth, consistency, and moments of individual brilliance — and Southampton will need to strike a careful balance across the pitch.

Look out for Part 2, where we’ll dive into the club’s possible transfer strategy: what areas need the most urgent attention, who the realistic targets might be, and how the club’s recruitment team can avoid the missteps of past windows. The rebuild for the Saints has only just begun.