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

By Marc Walker | May 23, 2019

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 27: Shane Long of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s Stadium on April 27, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Shane Long

Long is often criticised for his rate of scoring goals after some barren spells over the past few years.

However, some great form at the end of 2018/19 saw him net five important goals and break the Premier League’s fastest goal record.

The Republic of Ireland international’s form saw him hit the levels that he did under Ronald Koeman back in 2015/16.

With his confidence seemingly high under the current manager, Long is surely worth a small contract extension despite being in the later years of his career.

Next. Saints' Premier League payments for 2018/19 drop to £104m. dark