Southampton’s celebrations had barely subsided when they began planning their return to the Premier League. Adam Armstrong, a former striker for Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, scored the decisive goal in the Championship play-off final against Leeds United. This victory ensured that Southampton’s stint in the second tier lasted just one season under the iconic Wembley arch. As the club prepares for the top flight, manager Russell Martin faces crucial decisions regarding players like Che Adams and Alex McCarthy, whose contracts are nearing their end at St Mary’s. Additionally, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Lyanco, and Duje Caleta-Car are set to return from loan spells, adding to the complexity of the squad overhaul needed for the Premier League. To address these challenges, new signings will be essential to enhance the squad’s quality and depth.
To explore potential outcomes, 3AddedMinutes used Football Manager 2024 to predict Southampton’s summer transfer activities. In the goalkeeping department, Gavin Bazanu’s return to fitness will see him reclaim the position of Martin’s number one keeper, leading to Alex McCarthy’s departure to Everton on a free transfer. Joe Lumley and Mateusz Lis will remain as backup options. The goalkeeping lineup will consist of Joe Lumley, Gavin Bazanu, and Mateusz Lis.
The defensive lineup will see significant changes, highlighted by the addition of three new defenders for a total cost of £25 million. Roma full-back Rick Karsdorp will join for £3 million, followed by a £7 million acquisition of Borussia Dortmund’s Tom Rothe to bolster the left side. The most substantial deal involves securing Wout Faes from Leicester City for £15 million. Returning from loans, Armel Bella-Kotchap and Lyanco will rejoin the squad, while departures include Duje Caleta-Car to Lyon for £3 million, Juan Larios to Brentford for £7 million, Romain Perraud to Espanyol for £1 million, and James Bree to Luton Town for £3 million. Martin’s defensive options will include Lyanco, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Jan Bednarek, Wout Faes, Kyle Walker-Peters, Tom Rothe, and Rick Karsdorp.
In midfield, Joe Aribo will leave for Genoa in a £4 million deal, and Stuart Armstrong will be released. Real Mallorca’s Sergi Darder will join for £16 million as a replacement. Additionally, Josh DaSilva will arrive from Brentford for £5 million, and Alex Kral will join on a free transfer after leaving CSKA Moscow. Martin’s midfield lineup will feature Alex Kral, Josh DaSilva, Sergi Darder, Shea Charles, and Will Smallbone.
The forward positions will see significant activity. Paul Onuachu will depart to Cagliari for £3.5 million, and Ross Stewart will go on a season-long loan to Celtic, with a potential £5 million permanent move next summer. Che Adams will leave on a free transfer and remains unattached. New forward signings include Gabriel Sara from Norwich City for £22 million, Alexander Aravena from Univ Catolica for £3 million, Fedde de Jong from Cambuur for £2.5 million, Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £5 million, and Franck Surdez from AA Gent for £2 million. Carlos Alcaraz will also return after a loan spell with Juventus. Martin’s forward options will include Gabriel Sara, Sam Edozie, Fedde de Jong, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Franck Surdez, Adam Armstrong, Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Aravena, Sekou Mara, and Carlos Alcaraz.