The 3 Southampton players already facing up to a January full of speculation | OneFootball

As you would expect following their relegation to the Championship, it was a very busy summer for Southampton.

Russell Martin was appointed as the new head coach, and he knew he would inherit a squad that would be ripped apart, with several key players leaving. The highest profile transfers saw skipper James Ward-Prowse move to West Ham, whilst Chelsea won the race to sign Romeo Lavia.

Losing the duo, among others, was frustrating, but the big fees generated meant Saints could keep hold of some players they may have expected to sell.

There had been constant talk concerning much of the squad, so Martin will no doubt have been relieved when the window shut.

However, it’s sure to start up again in January, and if Southampton aren’t in the mix for promotion, then certain individuals may look to move on, and the boss may be happy to make changes.

And, here we look at THREE

3 Kyle Walker-Peters

Keeping the former Spurs man was a real coup for Southampton, as he is someone who was generally a reliable performer in the Premier League.

At 26, he is someone in his peak years, and the reality is that he could easily be playing in the top-flight right now, so there would be takers if he was available at a decent price in the winter window.

With Walker-Peters’ contract expiring in 2025, Southampton are reaching a critical period in the next 12 months, as they won’t want to risk losing him on a free. So, this could be one to monitor.

2 Kamaldeen Sulemana

Another who regularly linked with a switch all summer, the rapid winger has stayed at Southampton and there are hopes that he can become a key player this season.

Yet, his reputation means that there’s sure to be more interest in the former Rennes man in a few months, as he is capable of making a difference in the final third with his pace and direct style.

Unlike Walker-Peters, Sulemana has a long time left on his contract, so Southampton won’t be under pressure to sell. However, we know that doesn’t always matter, as the player may push to move, so it will be interesting to see how it works out.

1 Che Adams

It’s almost inevitable that Adams will be linked with a move away, and the reality is that Southampton may have to cash in.

The striker has entered the final year of his deal, and whilst it was suggested he could sign an extension before joining Wolves on Deadline Day, that didn’t happen.

That means, as it stands, the January window is the last chance for Southampton to get a fee for the Scottish international. Of course, that doesn’t mean they won’t sell, as the club may weigh up how a sale would impact their promotion push, and the riches that returning to the Premier League would bring.