Southampton's summer activity in the transfer market will all depend on what division they find themselves in.
Of course, if they seal promotion to the Premier League, plenty of signings will need to be made, in order for Southampton to try and thrive in the tough division, as opposed to finishing at the very bottom of the pile, like they did in the 2024/25 campaign.
As much as they'd want to seal several new signings, they would also put their money to good use by trying to tempt some key first team personnel to stay put on the South Coast for the foreseeable future.
Indeed, you would imagine, if promotion isn't won, that both Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza will be eyeing the exit door, with the electric attacking duo rightly being looked at by a whole host of Premier League admirers, off the back of the pairing collecting a combined 18 goals between them in Championship action this season.
Daniel Peretz's long-term future at St. Mary's is also anxiously up in the air, with the agile goalkeeper only situated on the South Coast on loan, for the time being.
Peretz's standout performances on loan
The Israel international has been extremely impressive to watch from minute one of this Southampton journey, as the Saintshave finally managed to unearth a competent number one stopper.
Gavin Bazunu was never a convincing pair of gloves in between the sticks, even when Southampton sealed promotion under Russell Martin during the 2023/24 season, with only 19 clean sheets amassed from 97 appearances.
He has now been chucked out on loan to Stoke City, and he looks to have no future at St. Mary's, if the promotion chasers were to seal the permanent signature of Peretz in the off-season.
Amazingly, from just 18 games this season, Peretz is only 12 behind the Irishman's overall weak clean sheet tally, with his exceptional displays in goal helping Southampton to some gritty and determined victories.
He had to stay alert throughout against Derby County last time out in a narrow 2-1 victory, with three saves pulled off, which then allowed Southampton to pull off a spirited second-half comeback.
It really does feel like there's no-brainer decision to made when it comes to Peretz, with reports suggesting that the Bayern Munich reserve stopper would love to make his switch to England permanent.
Why signing Peretz for good is a no-brainer
Already showing off his ability to be a game-changer in the Championship, Peretz would surely back himself to be as impactful in the Premier League, having already been exposed to the bright lights of Bundesliga.
It hasn't quite clicked for him in Bavaria, though, hence his loan move to Southampton, with the 25-year-old admitting that a permanent move would be a "logical" next step for him.
He said, earlier in the campaign, when speaking with German website Transfermarkt: "I think that would be logical. But it's still too early to talk about the summer. My focus is really on the games now."
The focus will, of course, will be on getting over the line to try and seal promotion to the Premier League.
But, if there is a move to be had here, it's a no-brainer that Southampton must whir this deal into motion as soon as possible, with a well-established number one in their sights, if he was to swap Germany for England for good.
Add us as a preferred source on Google