Southampton Squad Should They Stay Or Should They Go ! Part 2
Thursday, 5th Jun 2025 07:45
In the second part of our look at who should be kept and who should be moved on we take a look at the full backs and whether there will be more following Kyle Walker Peters out of St Mary's.
Saints have a lot of options in the full back department with options on both sides of the field, Kyle Walker Peters will be leaving as he is out of contract on July 1st, but that still leaves at least two options on each flank.
Yuri Sugawara
He signed last summer from AZ Alkmaar for a fee of around £5 million and initially looked to be a good option on the right, scoring a stunning goal in his 3rd appearance, although it would be a consolation goal in another debacle at Brentford.
But although he was good going forward, defensively he was not so hot, he would start 16 games and another 14 off the bench, but was he Premier League class, that is open to debate.
In the Championship though it could be a different matter and he could excel, but whether he will want to is also a question not yet answered.
I would keep him, but Saints should have no problem getting their money back on the Japanese International.
verdict - Keep potential transfer value £5 million.
James Bree
The signing from Luton Town has always been an enigma, he played a lot in the centre for Luton but mainly at right back for Saints.
He is a whole hearted player, but although he is not Premier League quality, he is a steady Championship proven player, but is that enough and with his contract up in a years time Saints might look to clear him out now.
Verdict Sell ! Transfer potential value £2 million.
Charlie Taylor
Able to play as a full back or more centrally in a back 3, Taylor was never given a chance by any of the 3 managers he has played under since joining from Burnley a year ago, but showed against Arsenal in the last game, the experience, quality and class that we lacked last season.
Proven in the Premier League & Championship, it beggars the question how did he only start 3 games last season plus 5 off the bench, he could be a real asset next season.
He still has a year left on his contract, so utilise him.
Verdict Keep! Potential transfer value £2 million.
Juan Larios
The forgotten man of Southampton FC in his 3 seasons he has managed just 2 starts and 3 sub appearances in the League and only a minutes as a sub in the cup.
However in the past few months he has seemingly got over his fitness and injury issues and had a good run in the U21 side.
He could be the surprise package in the Championship and has the ability to shine at that level and rebuild his career.
With two years left on his contract he is worth keeping
Verdict Keep ! Potential transfer value £3 million.
Ryan Manning
Was feted as being one of the best left backs in the Championship when he arrived from Swansea two years ago, but never really found his feet, although he was better than some would have you believe.
In the Premier League he actually looked more at home than he did in the Championship, so this is a puzzler, personally I would keep, but if Juan Larios maintains his fitness and stays then I would not expect him to be much more than a squad player.
Verdict Keep ! Potential transfer value £2.5 million.
So we have 5 players reviewed here and I would keep 4 of them, selling just James Bree.
The reason for this is that although we are a little top heavy in the full back department, the 4 remaining will give us options and we would struggle to find a better quality player without paying a lot more.
Give your opinions in the comments section below.
All Photos Via Reuters
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