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Southampton face the prospect of relegation to the Championship
Southampton fans have experienced a season to forget in their return to the Premier League after beating Leeds United in the play-off final last term.
The Saints are currently bottom of the table with nine points from 29 games, leaving them firmly on course to become the worst team in Premier League history unless they can muster up another three points from the remaining two months of the season. The Hampshire side are also on their second manager of the season in Ivan Juric, who has managed just one victory in 12 league matches since replacing Russell Martin in the St Mary’s dugout.
Southampton have had little to shout about throughout the campaign despite the ambitious acquisition of former PFA Team of the Season goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, England Under-21 European Championship winner Cameron Archer, Portuguese prospect Matheus Fernandes and Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis. They have scored a league low 21 goals all season and shipped a staggering 70 goals which is the highest of any defence in the division.
The one saving grace for the Saints fans or minor consolation so to speak, has been the form of teenage sensation Tyler Dibling, with the teenager providing fans with glimpses of brightness in an otherwise dark season. Dibling has scored just twice in 25 appearances, which according to the Telegraph has led to the Saints asking for a figure of around £100m to prise him away this summer amid interest from Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle United.
Whatever the future holds for Dibling, it is likely that Southampton will look to trim their squad with the sale of some big name stars as the prospect of relegation looms. But how will they rebuild the team for next season? Here we take a look at a possible XI Southampton could assemble in the Championship next term.
Southampton potential Championship XI
Goalkeeper: Gavin Bazunu: Republic of Ireland international Bazunu sustained a serious ACL injury in April 2024 which led to the Saints signing England international Aaron Ramsdale. However, with the World Cup on the horizon it's likely the former Arsenal man will seek a move back to the top-flight.
This could present another opportunity for 23-year-old Bazunu, who was a regular in the team during the promotion season. He is currently on loan at Standard Liege but is likely to be a huge player once again next term.
Right-back: Kyle Walker-Peters: The two-time England international was a stalwart in Southampton’s last promotion and is expected to once again be a key player next term if they can tie him down a new deal.
Centre-back: Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Southampton spent £23m on the permanent acquisition of the ex-Manchester City star over the summer and will hope to see better performances from the youngster, who has already twice won promotion from the Championship.
Centre-back: Ronnie Edwards: Ronnie Edwards barely got a look in at Premier League level this season before being sent out on loan to QPR. The 21-year-old is seen as one for the future and could potentially leapfrog Jan Bednarek in the pecking order if the Polish international sticks around.
Left-Back: Wellington: The 24-year-old was signed in January from Sao Paulo and is likely to be given a run of games to prove himself next term.
A marquee signing from Liverpool
Right midfield - Ben Doak (signing): Scotland international Ben Doak has been linked with a move to Southampton over the summer after a strong loan spell at Middlesbrough which has seen him score three and provide seven assists at Championship level. He’s direct, has bags of pace and could be a potential replacement for Tyler Dibling if he departs.
Centre midfield - Glen Kamara (signing): Ex-Rangers and Leeds United star Kamara has struggled for football at Rennes this season and could seek a move back to English football when his loan spell at Al Shabab comes to an end.
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Centre midfield: Joe Aribo: The 28-year-old has been one of Southampton’s more productive players with three goals from midfield which could earn him an opportunity to shine in the Championship if someone like Matheus Fernandes departs.
Left midfield: Tom Fellows (signing): With two goals and 11 assists, Tom Fellows is player with a strong record in the second tier and someone who could add excitement to the midfield. He, however, is also thought to be a target for Everton after nearly joining the Toffees on deadline day.
Striker: Elijah Adebayo (signing): With Luton Town currently facing the prospect of back-to-back relegations, Southampton could boost their attacking options with a move for Elijah Adebayo.
Striker: Adam Armstrong: Adam Armstrong joined West Brom in January but could be a part of the Southampton team once again in the Championship after scoring 26 and providing 13 assists during the 2023/24 season.
Southampton XI: Bazunu, Walker-Peters, Taylor Harwood -Bellis, Edwards, Wellington, Doak, Kamara, Aribo, Fellows, Adebayo, Armstrong.
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