Southampton are preparing for a return to the Championship after a rapid fall from the Premier League. Following a dismal 2024/25 campaign in which they managed only 12 points from 38 matches, the Saints are now looking to reset and refocus for the season ahead.
Under the guidance of highly-rated new manager Will Still, the Hampshire club will be aiming to mount a serious push for promotion. However, they face the challenge of potentially losing several key players over the summer. While this presents a chance to rebuild under Still’s leadership, the club has already encountered an early setback in the pursuit of one of their transfer targets.
Southampton boss Will Still
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
According to Armenie Football on X, Southampton had made a move to sign Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan, but he has rejected the move. Spersyan does not have any intention of dropping down to the Championship.
The Armenian has been linked with recently promoted Leeds United and Sunderland earlier this summer. If he is to move on from Krasnodar in this window, it is likely to a side playing in the top five European leagues.
More on Spertsyan
Armenian international Eduard Spertsyan has established himself as one of the top talents in the Russian Premier League in recent years. A graduate of the Krasnodar academy, he’s been a central figure for the club since making his first-team breakthrough in 2021.
In 143 appearances, Spertsyan has scored 44 goals, reaching double figures in each of the last two seasons. This campaign alone, he registered 11 goals and six assists in 28 league matches, playing a key role in Krasnodar’s push for the title.
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southampton, 34-cap midfielder rejects move to Southampton
Image courtesy of: JASON CAIRNDUFF/REUTERS.
With 34 caps for Armenia, Spertsyan’s quality is undeniable, and he would represent a high-calibre signing for Southampton. That said, any deal would require a significant investment, and if he is not sold on the project, it may not be worth the hefty price tag.
What’s next for the Saints?
It is likely to be a busy rest of the window for Southampton. There is a lot of speculation surrounding a lot of their players as things stand.
The likes of Mateus Fernandes, Aaron Ramsdale and Tyler Dibling look very likely to leave the club before the window shuts. That leaves some huge holes in the Southampton squad.
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