Southampton’s fate for next season has not yet been sealed, with Tonda Eckert’s side sitting just inside the play-off spots.
But there are some players just too good for the Championship in the club’s ranks, who must be playing Premier League football next season.
Whether it’s with Southampton or elsewhere, there are five players who must be playing in the top flight in 2026/27.
Shea Charles
Shea Charles is undoubtedly one of the Championship’s most talented midfielders at just 22 years old.
The Northern Irishman is putting himself on the map on the international stage, and a brilliant performance against heavyweights Italy on Thursday showed just how good he is.
Every time I see Shea Charles, I'm baffled he doesn't play in the Premier League. An absolutely terrific midfielder.
— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) March 26, 2026
In an underperforming team under Will Still, Charles was the only consistent performer week in and week out, and has shown up in the big moments despite injury issues since the appointment of Tonda Eckert.
A player who was deemed not ready for the step up when the Saints last went up to the Premier League, Charles is certainly at the level to test himself on the big stage now.
Leo Scienza
Southampton supporters won’t want to consider the possibility of fan favourite Scienza departing the club after just one year this summer, but the Brazilian is clearly a man ready for the Premier League.
Scienza leads the Championship creative metrics, having created the most big chances in the division this season, despite joining the team a month into the season.
The left winger is already seeing transfer interest ahead of the summer window, and is a shoo-in to make the step up. The Saints just need to get there before Scienza jumps at a new opportunity.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Despite a tough first season in the Premier League, Harwood-Bellis earned himself an England call-up, showing his personal performances were enough to impress.
In a better team than the one that was so humiliatingly set up in 2024/25, Harwood-Bellis will certainly be good enough for the top flight.
Whether it’s with Southampton or not remains to be seen...
Daniel Peretz
Southampton’s goalkeeper has been a revelation since signing on loan from Bayern Munich in January.
The club has an option to buy on the Israeli shot-stopper that they can trigger, and it’s an absolute no-brainer. But Peretz’s performances have been up there with the best in the Championship since his arrival, and he is clearly Premier League quality.
A balanced player who is great at shot-stopping but also a capable passer from the back, Peretz is a class above.
Flynn Downes
Like Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes’ only experience of regular Premier League football has been when playing in an extremely poor team - Southampton’s of 2024/25.
Downes, despite being the most important cog of former manager Russell Martin’s unit, did not disgrace himself in the Premier League and deserves a second chance in a much better side.
Under Tonda Eckert, Downes has been revitalised and is a player far too good for the second tier - completely deserving of another go in the top flight.
But first, Southampton must get there, or risk selling these five players to clubs above them in the football food chain.