Southampton: How could Saints' starting line-up look next season?

Southampton: How could Saints’ starting line-up look next season?

By Marc Walker | Jul 23, 2020

Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl walks on th e pitch ahead of the English Premier League football match between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on July 9, 2020. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Danny Ings of Southampton (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Strikers and rest of squad

Danny Ings, Striker

With 24 goals in all competitions this season, it will be hard for Ings to replicate this form again. However, his goals – however many – will be vital to bring success in the next few years.

Che Adams, Striker

Shane Long has looked more like the ideal partner for Ings, but next season will be huge for Adams to prove his worth and he must be given the chance to hit the ground running.

Other potential squad changes

Harrison Reed has enjoyed a stellar season with Fulham and could return to Saints’ thoughts in 2020/21. He may not want to be second-choice behind Ward-Prowse and others though.

With Salisu through the door and Jannik Vestergaard potentially on his way out, Saints will only have three main centre-backs on offer to them and may need to look a bringing another one in.

Jack Stephens has impressed this season too but he may drop out for Salisu. However, squad competition and injuries will probably mean plenty of game time for all.

Links have been made to Brentford’s Ollie Watkins too but Saints do look well stocked on forwards and it may not be an area that they look to add to before 2020/21.

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