Southampton: 5 Saints players who will be free to talk to other clubs after June

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Maya Yoshida of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton FC at American Express Community Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 30: Maya Yoshida of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton FC at American Express Community Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Maya Yoshida of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Maya Yoshida of Southampton in action during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at St Mary’s Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

Maya Yoshida

Yoshida had a mixed start to his career in England but has adjusted to become a reliable presence for Saints.

The Japanese international has made 183 appearances for the club and is someone that fans have really warmed to in his time on the South Coast.

There were rumours of him leaving to join an unnamed club in Saudi Arabia in January, but he chose to stay with Saints to fight for his place.

With his contract running out in June 2020, he may be worth another one-year extension as someone who can provide solid cover in defence.