A decade has passed since the midfielder’s final game for St. Mary’s, when he played in 265 games and scored 60 goals. Lallana spent 14 years in the Southampton academy, having joined at the age of 12. In his first season, he scored in the Wembley final to help the squad win the 2010 Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and advance from League One to the Premier League twice in a row. The 36-year-old moved to Liverpool in 2014 after being elected Southampton captain and receiving his first senior England call-up in 2013. “Although it sounds like a bit of a fairy tale, in my head there’s still a job to do and I’m really confident I’ve got it,” Lallana said in reflection on his homecoming.
Lallana won the Premier League in the 2019–20 season with Liverpool in addition to the FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and UEFA Champions League in 2019. After playing for Brighton for four seasons, he is back at Southampton, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from his 291 Premier League games and 34 England caps. “I’ve been no stranger—my son attends the Academy, so I’m in and around it quite a bit—but I’ve never been this close to being home, so it’s amazing,” Lallana expressed his delight about returning to Staplewood. Although it feels strange, I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity and am looking forward to it.
I knew right immediately that I needed to pursue it because it seemed right in my head and heart, and in the end, it worked out when I started talking to Russell and realised there was some interest. It makes me very delighted to be back where it all began. Russell Martin, the manager of Southampton, commented on Lallana’s return, saying, “I’m delighted that we could bring Adam back home to where it all began for him.” Adam offers essential expertise as we get ready for the Premier League and carries the DNA of this club in him.” “Everyone will need to contribute again in the upcoming season, and Adam helps us develop a true depth and expertise.”