Southampton could lose six players this summer before they return to the EFL Championship where they will be among the favourites to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
The Saints will be eager to put the 2024-25 campaign, in which they'll finish rock-bottom, behind them. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and Will Still is reportedly in "advanced talks" to become the club's new manager, per talkSPORT.
Still would be an impressive appointment given his resume from coaching in French football. He's worked with several players who caught the eye in Ligue 1 at Reims and Lens and he'll be expected to get the best out of the squad at St Mary's.
The 32-year-old may also have a say over one or two players' futures, especially those whose deals are up at the end of June.
Southampton players' contracts up this summer
Adam Lallana
The veteran English midfielder made a heartwarming return to St Mary's last summer after becoming a free agent. He has proven to be a useful signing given he's not only made 14 league appearances with two assists but also served as player-assistant to caretaker Simon Rusk following Ivan Juric's sacking in early April.
Lallana signed a one-year contract in July 2024 which is set to expire next month. The 37-year-old appears to be departing after Rusk confirmed he wasn't intending to play him in any of the final games of the season for a proper send-off.
The former 34-cap England international has proven himself a natural in the coaching department. Should Will Still be Juric's permanent replacement, he'd perhaps be inclined to keep a fan favourite such as Lallana around in his backroom team if the player wants to call time on his career.
Jack Stephens
The Saints' captain's honest assessment of the club "falling short" speaks volumes of his character. He's been a fine servant during his 12-year stay at St Mary's, which could be coming to an end this summer.
Jack Stephens joined the South Coast club from Plymouth Argyle as a youngster in 2011 and while he's spent some time out on loan he's been a consummate professional. He replaced James Ward-Prowse as skipper in 2023 and has worn the armband with pride.
The 31-year-old has unfortunately shown regression as the season has progressed, and it feels the right time to cut ties. But he hinted at his intention to stay put shortly after Juric's sacking, and that perhaps could be the case with sporting director Johannes Spors leaning on his experience to hand him a new deal.
Joe Lumley
All eyes are on Aaron Ramsdale and whether the five-cap England international goalkeeper will be staying following relegation. But Joe Lumley's future is also in doubt after struggling for game time this season, appearing three times in the league and conceding seven goals.
Southampton have been linked with possible Ramsdale replacements including Bayern Munich's Daniel Peretz. Spors may be looking to add a new shot-stopper to the squad irrespective of Ramsdale's situation because Lumley's deal is up in a matter of weeks.
Lumley signed a one-year extension last summer to continue as a backup at St Mary's. The 30-year-old isn't the only keeper heading into the latter stages of his career as Alex McCarthy hits 36 in December but unlike his compatriot he has a further year on his contract.
Kyle Walker-Peters
Losing Kyle Walker-Peters will be a blow because he's proven to be one of the Saints' better performers not just this season but throughout his spell with the club. The versatile English full-back arrived from Tottenham in the summer of 2020 and has grown into an all-rounded defensive unit.
The 28-year-old was heavily linked with an exit in the January transfer window amid links to Everton but a £7m valuation proved too expensive. All signs point to the Englishman leaving as a free agent this summer and he'll undoubtedly want to continue playing at the top level.
Walker-Peters is reportedly now on Fulham's radar and the Cottagers are primed to pounce, per Sky Sports. He deserves Premier League football especially given his age and years of service in the South Coast.
Albert Gronbaek
There was excitement when Albert Gronbaek arrived on loan in January and many expected him to play an important role in a fight against relegation. That hasn't happened for the Danish midfielder who has encountered a tendon injury, resulting in just four Premier League appearances.
Southampton reportedly won't be triggering the €15m (£12.6m) option in Gronbaek's loan. He looks set to return to Rennes instead of making a permanent move and joining the squad in the Championship.
Lesley Ugochukwu
Another loanee who will probably be departing next month is Lesley Ugochukwu, and he was expected to leave in January. The French defensive midfielder, on loan from Chelsea, is a tricky talent to work out and it's fair to say neither Russell Martin or Juric managed to do so.
Ugochukwu has come in and out of the Southampton team and hasn't done enough to earn either another loan or a permanent move. The 21-year-old will return to Stamford Bridge, where he has a massive mountain to climb to break into a team glistening with talent of a similar age.
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