Southampton: Hasenhuttl confirms some players will leave this summer

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that some players will leave the club this summer during the transfer window.

It is well-known that the Austrian wants a tight squad full of young, hungry players, and a further transition towards this looks set to happen in the summer.

Rumours of departures have been numerous in the lead up to the summer, and moving on fringe players and those out of favour could have real benefits as Hasenhuttl explains.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference about giving opportunities to academy talents and his new “SFC playbook”, he said:

"“The situation with the five subs and the fact that a few players are leaving us in the summer maybe gives them (youth players) a chance. We will clearly look at which players can help us immediately and then give them time, trust and a chance to show up”."

Hasenhuttl confirming that players will leave helps us to assess which players may be moving on and then which players could be given a chance at first-team level in the near future.

Former captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs after stalling on extending his contract that runs out next year, and Saints chief Martin Semmens did suggest that a deal would be struck if a team offers the right money.

More from Saints Marching

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• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
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• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

From reports, it does seem like the club are sticking to their valuation of their Danish midfielder. However, they may have to prepared to make a loss on some other players who do not have a future at St Mary’s.

The likes of Fraser Forster and Jannik Vestergaard have been linked with moves away after falling well down the pecking order, whilst Guido Carrillo, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Wesley Hoedt and Mario Lemina will all be moved on if an appropriate offer is received.

Freeing up funds from the wage bill and through transfer fees should allow Saints to move on to other targets – Deyovaisio Zeefuik and Mohammed Salisu are both reportedly on their radar.

Important to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s philosophy – and indeed to Saints fans watching on from the stands – will be giving talented academy players an ever increasing chance to impress at senior level too though.

Will Smallbone and Jake Vokins are just two to emerge from the youth setup in recent times, whilst young winger Nathan Tella could reportedly be given first-team minutes soon.