16 May 2023 , 08:24
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The vultures are already beginning to circle around St Mary’s following Southampton ’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Saints have dropped into the Championship for the first time in a decade following what has been a wretched campaign. Just six wins throughout the season has seen the side deservedly relegated - something that was made official with a poor 2-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham.
There is now a big rebuild on the horizon on the South Coast with some players expected to be moved on. Some could even remain in the Premier League as clubs in the top-flight look to take advantage over the next few months.
Gavin Bazunu
Only a Southampton player for a season, the Irish stopper has struggled to keep clean sheets behind a leaky defence. Just four clubs in the Premier League have conceded more than the Saints’ 66 goals so far.
The former Manchester City trainee has done enough to garner a few admirers though. Tottenham have been linked with a swoop as they attempt to find a long-term successor to Hugo Lloris.
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His former club Man City also retain a buy-back clause in the original deal that took him to Southampton.
Gavin Bazunu only joined Southampton from Man City last summer (Getty Images)Do you think Southampton can bounce back straight to the Premier League? Share your predictions in the comments
Armel Bella-Kotchap
A two-time German international, the 21-year-old has been one of the shining lights of the Saints’ miserable campaign. He has made 26 appearances for the side in his debut season following a move from VfL Bochum.
The youngster will likely want a move to keep his place in the German national side and already has a few suitors. Liverpool and Chelsea have both been credited with interest, whilst Manchester United are also thought to be contenders for his services.
Kyle Walker-Peters
The right-back has been at St Mary’s since an initial loan move from Spurs in January 2020. He very quickly made the switch permanent and has gone on to accumulate 118 appearances for the club since.
The two-time England international also has a number of suitors. Former club Spurs could make an effort to take him back to North London, whilst Chelsea and Man United are also thought to be among his admirers. Everton also weighed up a move a year ago.
Kyle Walker-Peters still has plenty of admirers (Getty Images)Romeo Lavia
At just 19 years of age, the young midfielder has taken on a huge amount of responsibility this season. The ex-Man City man has made 27 appearances during his debut top-flight season.
A host of Premier League big boys could offer him a quick route out of St Mary’s. Chelsea could add him to the huge influx of signings under Todd Boehly. Erik ten Hag is also reportedly eyeing a swoop for the Belgian.
James Ward-Prowse
Currently club captain, Ward-Prowse ’s future is one that will certainly leave Saints’ fans the most concerned. He has regularly been an inspirational figure in the heart of midfield with over 400 appearances to his name since breaking through into the side during the 2011/12 season.
There is no doubt that Ward-Prowse is too good to be playing Championship football - his stunning free-kick record among one of his many strengths. Whilst he has remained tight-lipped on his future, many clubs are interested.
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Aston Villa, Newcastle and Tottenham are among the early favourites to make a move for his signature.
James Ward-Prowse could bid an emotional farewell to Southampton this summer (Getty Images)Carlos Alcaraz
Signed from Racing Club in January, the young Argentine has performed relatively well since his arrival at Southampton. He has scored four Premier League goals over the last few months - his winning goal against Leicester giving the Saints brief hope of survival.
Given how recently he arrived, he might be tempted to stay for a season in the second tier but it would not be a surprise to see a Premier League side swoop for him.