Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

[LuckyNumber7]

10 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

My fears for the overall weakening of the squad are starting to come true - Fernandes leaving will seal it. Time left to bring in replacement talent I guess, but we’re talking SR levels of incompetence and previous form in panic buys. We’ve still got a lot of dross in the squad and other than perhaps Quarshie not a lot to feel optimistic about in terms of new signings. The prospect of Bazunu, Stephens and Manning starting against Wrexham leaves me feeling cold.

Well of course the squad will be weaker, we got relegated. That's football. Fernandes and Dibling will almost certainly go, but we will bring players in who are hopefully good enough to get us promoted. Early signs from Quarshie and Downs are promising.

[Saint Fan CaM]

2 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

I mean it's inevitable isn't it? It would be a BONUS if we could enjoy Fernandes and Ramsdale in the Championship, not an expectation.

The noise I'm starting to hear now is making me a little more optimistic, we seem to have people now conducting a root and branch squad cull. Taylor, ABK, Aribo, Smallbone, Edozie - not good enough, we know it, and we don't seem to be keen to hang onto them. Which is a positive.

This will free up wages, funds and squad space to replace that block of 4 with better - so even though we lose Ramsdale and maybe Fernandes, we have the potential to be stronger overall by replacing the likes of Aribo/Edozie/Smallbone etc.

Could be a very busy 4 weeks. This is when the moves will start to happen, pre-season coming to a close, manager knows who he wants and what he wants - clear picture. Now Spors can get into action.

You’re making some good obvious points of course. Proof of the pudding is in the eating. Assuming Rambo and Fernandes go, the overall quality of the squad is diminished substantially in my view. IF the four players you’ve mentioned are replaced with better players then yes, I too will feel more optimistic. 

However, we must remember that even if that scenario plays out, those players would not have had the benefit of a full pre-season and so may not be starters immediately. Also I’m not convinced there will be a lot of takers for the players mentioned and we’ll be stuck with them until their contracts run down (e.g. ABK).

[S-Clarke]

Just now, sfc4prem said:

Fair enough - got me there

I still think he'll go to be fair, but there's more of a chance we keep him than Leeds had keeping Raphinia.

I reckon...£35-45m ballpark is what we'll look for. That would double our money in a year, which does count as a good scouting success for sure. It's a shame that they didn't equate that scouting knoweldge on our strikers or wide players last season...!

With Charly and Fernandes, Lavia etc - they've shown they can pick up gems...but it's often overlaid with loads of rubbish like BBD, Bauznu, ABK, Stewart etc.

[hypochondriac]

Just now, Saint Fan CaM said:

You’re making some good obvious points of course. Proof of the pudding is in the eating. Assuming Rambo and Fernandes go, the overall quality of the squad is diminished substantially in my view. IF the four players you’ve mentioned are replaced with better players then yes, I too will feel more optimistic. 

However, we must remember that even if that scenario plays out, those players would not have had the benefit of a full pre-season and so may not be starters immediately. Also I’m not convinced there will be a lot of takers for the players mentioned and we’ll be stuck with them until their contracts run down (e.g. ABK).

I'm glad you used that phrase correctly. Really pisses me off when people say it incorrectly. 

[S-Clarke]

Just now, Saint Fan CaM said:

You’re making some good obvious points of course. Proof of the pudding is in the eating. Assuming Rambo and Fernandes go, the overall quality of the squad is diminished substantially in my view. IF the four players you’ve mentioned are replaced with better players then yes, I too will feel more optimistic. 

However, we must remember that even if that scenario plays out, those players would not have had the benefit of a full pre-season and so may not be starters immediately. Also I’m not convinced there will be a lot of takers for the players mentioned and we’ll be stuck with them until their contracts run down (e.g. ABK).

I think the general vibe is that we will go into this Championship season weaker than we did last time. Last time out we had Tella, JWP, Lavia, Adams, Bednarek, KWP all involved for the first couple of games at the very least. 

If the club are actively looking to move on from the likes of Smallbone and Edozie then it suggests they've identified the weaknesses correctly, and given the gaps they will leave in the squad - they'll have to be replaced. It would be quite difficult to find players less effective than either of those, so you'd hope by default we'll be stronger with the replacements.

We'll find out in Sept I guess.

[imadirtyurchin]

15 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

My fears for the overall weakening of the squad are starting to come true - Fernandes leaving will seal it. Time left to bring in replacement talent I guess, but we’re talking SR levels of incompetence and previous form in panic buys. We’ve still got a lot of dross in the squad and other than perhaps Quarshie not a lot to feel optimistic about in terms of new signings. The prospect of Bazunu, Stephens and Manning starting against Wrexham leaves me feeling cold.

No offense, but I think it’s a bit too early to be fretting about this. We’re all worried about it but I think let’s wait til the end of the window before we get too pessimistic otherwise it will be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth for nothing. (Hopefully) 

[davefizzy14]

We desperately need extra quality in the attacking midfield areas both out wide and centrally. Hopefully Spors is working on this and the Armenian attacking midfielder is one of them. Rak-Sakyi too hopefully.

Edited yesterday at 12:07 by davefizzy14

[Saint Fan CaM]

3 minutes ago, LuckyNumber7 said:

Well of course the squad will be weaker, we got relegated. That's football. Fernandes and Dibling will almost certainly go, but we will bring players in who are hopefully good enough to get us promoted. Early signs from Quarshie and Downs are promising.

This is the stance that I find difficult to reconcile with. The squad last season was diabolically poor…arguably worse than teams in the top 6-8 of the Championship and would in my mind certainly struggle to compete at the top this coming season. Weakening the squad further will see the club fall well below the standard needed for the play-offs in my estimation, so significant strengthening was required to put us in with a chance of promotion.

[Mr Brightside]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

Lol , im older than him. Although Im from the Cretinous era apparently according to my wife on our 42nd wedding annversary today. shes a bloody lucky woman lol

Ha, it’s my 21st today. Queue Bon Jovi. Congrats. 

[trousers]

Just now, S-Clarke said:

£35-45m ballpark is what we'll look for. That would double our money in a year, which does count as a good scouting success for sure

Maybe I'm being naive, but why would we accept an offer of that ilk this window? My understanding is that our current financial situation is healthy, ergo we don't *need* to sell anyone we don't want to. Given Fernandes' value is unlikely to drop significantly over the next 12 months (major injury excepting) then why would we even contemplate selling him if our stated aim is to return straight  back to the PL again? Yes, I appreciate that we'd be daft not to consider any ridiculously high offer, but anything sub-£50m isn't that. 

Can't we just be different for once and insist he's staying, rather than capitulate to a non-spectacular offer?

[Forester]

2 hours ago, EBS1980 said:

Only option to buy not obligation. We don’t have to accept the offer because they made it.

That’s not how it normally works. Options usually means prior price agreed

[OldNick]

6 minutes ago, Mr Brightside said:

Ha, it’s my 21st today. Queue Bon Jovi. Congrats. 

Thanks for making me feel old Lol

[Saint Fan CaM]

2 minutes ago, trousers said:

Maybe I'm being naive, but why would we accept an offer of that ilk this window? My understanding is that our current financial situation is healthy, ergo we don't *need* to sell anyone we don't want to. Given Fernandes' value is unlikely to drop significantly over the next 12 months (major injury excepting) then why would we even contemplate selling him if our stated aim is to return straight  back to the PL again? Yes, I appreciate that we'd be daft not to consider any ridiculously high offer, but anything sub-£50m isn't that. 

Can't we just be different for once and insist he's staying, rather than capitulate to a non-spectacular offer?

Great post. And may I add - what is the point of selling at even £50m+ if you can’t sign equal or better talent to replace him? If that’s not a definite then squad quality will be reduced and absolutely nothing gained except of course a healthier bank balance - fools gold if you miss out on promotion.

[Forester]

31 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

My fears for the overall weakening of the squad are starting to come true - Fernandes leaving will seal it. Time left to bring in replacement talent I guess, but we’re talking SR levels of incompetence and previous form in panic buys. We’ve still got a lot of dross in the squad and other than perhaps Quarshie not a lot to feel optimistic about in terms of new signings. The prospect of Bazunu, Stephens and Manning starting against Wrexham leaves me feeling cold.

Just out of interest, what would have been your plan to bridge an £80 to £90 million gap?  Please set this out 

[OldNick]

Listening to In That Number podcast this morning I was aghast that they were saying that they thought we'd take £25m for Fernandes. I was amazed as I would feel cheated if we took less than £40m. Not that I would get the money but feel he is worth a lot moore compared to other players I see qoted

[saintant]

18 minutes ago, trousers said:

Maybe I'm being naive, but why would we accept an offer of that ilk this window? My understanding is that our current financial situation is healthy, ergo we don't *need* to sell anyone we don't want to. Given Fernandes' value is unlikely to drop significantly over the next 12 months (major injury excepting) then why would we even contemplate selling him if our stated aim is to return straight  back to the PL again? Yes, I appreciate that we'd be daft not to consider any ridiculously high offer, but anything sub-£50m isn't that. 

Can't we just be different for once and insist he's staying, rather than capitulate to a non-spectacular offer?

I think if we get north of 35 million for Fernandes we'll have done ok. He's had one season in the Premier league so we're not getting silly money for him

[iansums]

31 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

I'm glad you used that phrase correctly. Really pisses me off when people say it incorrectly. 

Likewise, "the proof is in the pudding", no it isn't, f*ck right off!

[Holmes_and_Watson]

2 hours ago, OldNick said:

Lol , im older than him. Although Im from the Cretinous era apparently according to my wife on our 42nd wedding annversary today. shes a bloody lucky woman lol

Congratulations!

[Pat from Poole]

2 hours ago, Appy said:

Good signing for Ipswich, they aren’t hamstrung by an oversized squad and PSR so can comfortably outspend us and Leicester. 

Ipswich spent a lot last season though, didn't they??

[Saint Fan CaM]

25 minutes ago, Forester said:

Just out of interest, what would have been your plan to bridge an £80 to £90 million gap?  Please set this out 

Where’s this gap coming from? Please set that out with reliable quotes from the club.

[Pat from Poole]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

What’s the crack with Dibling?

 

Good question.

Seems to have gone rather quiet on that front.

[beatlesaint]

I’m not too bothered about Smallbone being ok in this league as he was last time but if he was to go then that would be great !

[tdmickey3]

58 minutes ago, sfc4prem said:

Keeping Fernandes would be like Leeds having kept Raphina back in the day

He has a fair bit of contract left (not sure how much) get him to honour it

[sockeye]

Smallbone leaving? Please

[West end Saints]

Just now, S-Clarke said:

I think the general vibe is that we will go into this Championship season weaker than we did last time. Last time out we had Tella, JWP, Lavia, Adams, Bednarek, KWP all involved for the first couple of games at the very least. 

If the club are actively looking to move on from the likes of Smallbone and Edozie then it suggests they've identified the weaknesses correctly, and given the gaps they will leave in the squad - they'll have to be replaced. It would be quite difficult to find players less effective than either of those, so you'd hope by default we'll be stronger with the replacements.

We'll find out in Sept I guess.

I personally think we will go on stronger.

We all knew most of those players were leaving.

The players we used most last time were KWP - will be missed

Stephens, Smallbone, Bazunu, THB, Downes, Manning, Adam A, Aribo, Charles, Fraser. All still here.

Bednarek gone but potentially improved upon.

Charles looks a lot better. Plus good young depth a CB.

Robinson.

I think we will either have Fernandes or a replacement so stronger there.

Che v Downs?

Poss Dibling 

[Forester]

9 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Where’s this gap coming from? Please set that out with reliable quotes from the club.

You will love this new thing called “Google”…try “what is cost of relegation from Premier League” and report back on your findings….!  I’ll give you a clue, read my initial post for a good guide!

 

[S-Clarke]

45 minutes ago, trousers said:

Maybe I'm being naive, but why would we accept an offer of that ilk this window? My understanding is that our current financial situation is healthy, ergo we don't *need* to sell anyone we don't want to. Given Fernandes' value is unlikely to drop significantly over the next 12 months (major injury excepting) then why would we even contemplate selling him if our stated aim is to return straight  back to the PL again? Yes, I appreciate that we'd be daft not to consider any ridiculously high offer, but anything sub-£50m isn't that. 

Can't we just be different for once and insist he's staying, rather than capitulate to a non-spectacular offer?

I get what you mean, but there are so many moving parts in transfers that mean it's never really as clear as ''we want that, pay it, or he doesn't go''.

No one knows the financial position for sure, but we have to remember that we've not really made a 'big sale' yet this window, we don't know if we need that in order to help evolve the rest of the squad. Last time out we made several big sales in Tino, Lavia, Tella, JWP - all north of £20m.

Like I said, too many unknowns and it's never as clear as ''keep him, ask for silly money, he's under contract''

[coalman]

If we get offers then Fernandes, Dibling and THB are off. We all knew that coming into the window and it was a pipe dream to say otherwise. The concern is who we keep and who we bring in. Right now - keeping Stephens and keeping him as captain makes me uneasy. Bazunu starting in goal makes me uneasy (though Castellon Baz was a hero). Armstrong on the wing makes me uneasy. BBD on the wing makes me uneasy.

Downs came in and took his finish brilliantly the other day so I'm hopeful there and Quarshie looks a beast (albeit a slightly unpolished one). Charles looks good in midfield and could provide the partner Downes has been crying out for. But I just don't see us being solid at the back or creating enough chances without some incomings and outgoings.

[Jack]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

What’s the crack with Dibling?

 

I doubt anyone is prepared to come up with the sort of money we’d even think about accepting. He’s looked good in flashes but very little end product or consistency. Only 2 goals and no assists, even if he did make some established PL full backs look pretty ordinary, it’s not a great return. 
 

If I was a Prem club looking at him, I’d be saying it’s a huge gamble for the sort of money being talked about. Another full season in the Championship would do him good IMO

[Smirking_Saint]

24 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Where’s this gap coming from? Please set that out with reliable quotes from the club.

Are you being serious 🤣

[Turkish]

3 hours ago, OldNick said:

Lol , im older than him. Although Im from the Cretinous era apparently according to my wife on our 42nd wedding annversary today. shes a bloody lucky woman lol

 

1 hour ago, Sevvy said:

Congratulations on your 42nd wedding anniversary, and of course she is lucky,

 

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

Appreciated, and Im glad you are in the minority that she is lucky lol

 

1 hour ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Blimey, she’s been with you nearly as long as Stephens has been with Saints! Congratulations BTW.

Congratulations mate happy anniversary 

are you at the stage of your relationship where she describes you as a good guy to have around the house?

[Draino76]

1 hour ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

My fears for the overall weakening of the squad are starting to come true - Fernandes leaving will seal it. Time left to bring in replacement talent I guess, but we’re talking SR levels of incompetence and previous form in panic buys. We’ve still got a lot of dross in the squad and other than perhaps Quarshie not a lot to feel optimistic about in terms of new signings. The prospect of Bazunu, Stephens and Manning starting against Wrexham leaves me feeling cold.

Look, they were all shit last year.  If anyone gives us any money for any of them whatsoever, we should count it a a lottery win.

[Turkish]

5 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Got to love Liverpool fans. 
 

literally burned TAA shirts when he ran his contract down, to praise Isak for going on strike to force a move to Liverpool.

Given they are the people’s club who won’t overly spend compared to their rivals, they are sure spending this window

They were the same with Van Dijk. We should let him leave for fulfil his dream etc. funny how players aren’t allowed to leave them to fulfill their dreams 

[Miltonaggro]

20 minutes ago, Turkish said:

 

 

 

Congratulations mate happy anniversary 

are you at the stage of your relationship where she describes you as a good guy to have around the house?

company...

[Whitey Grandad]

2 hours ago, Chez said:

Me bad. Loved Boruc. Liked Davis for sticking with us despite the West Ham offer. 

His wife didn't want to move. 

[Chez]

41 minutes ago, Saint Fan CaM said:

Where’s this gap coming from? Please set that out with reliable quotes from the club.

To some degree the company accounts provide the actual answers, as they show the drop in income when you go down.

2023 (PL season) Turnover £145m

2024 (Championship season) Turnover £85m

So, the income drop, or gap, was actually just £60m.

Key here is the lower operating costs in the lower division:

2023 (PL) £171m

2024 (Championship) £122m...due mostly to reduced wages (£42m less).

The losses before player trading in 2023 were thus about £26m. In the 2024 (championship season) the losses before player trading were £35m. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Miltonaggro]

As I've been saying since the end of last season, club should do all it can to keep Fernandes (a one man team second half of last season).  Offer him a pay rise with promotion bonus, make him captain and build the team around him, slap on a Lavia sized price ticket.  But that's all we can do.  If a big club turns it's eye of Sauron our way as the window starts to close, he's offski.

[Football Special]

1 hour ago, imadirtyurchin said:

No offense, but I think it’s a bit too early to be fretting about this. We’re all worried about it but I think let’s wait til the end of the window before we get too pessimistic otherwise it will be a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth for nothing. (Hopefully) 

Of course wait until end of window but don't be surprised when we struggle for points first couple of months of the season 

[imadirtyurchin]

2 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Of course wait until end of window but don't be surprised when we struggle for points first couple of months of the season 

Sure, that’s entirely possible. And to be honest I have the same fears as everyone about the team getting weaker and being replaced by dross. But posting the same negativity day after day doesn’t stop it from happening and just derails the thread from purely transfer news/related. (Not a pop at any particular poster) trying to tell myself as much as anyone else. I think it’s trauma from the last few years coming out… 🤣🤷🏼‍♂️

[St Louis]

59 minutes ago, sockeye said:

Smallbone leaving? Please

He had a decent season and scored 7 goals (vital late ones too) the last time we had a season in The Championship. He also scored in the Playoff Semi and assisted Armstrong's goal in the final. So I wouldnt wish him away too fast. We dont have world class players tripping over themselves to join Southampton.
He's probably on relatively modest wages too, wants to be here, came through the academy, etc. I would definitely have him in the squad.
Personally I would keep him over Aribo for example, for all of the reasons above.

Edited 22 hours ago by St Louis

[imadirtyurchin]

Just now, imadirtyurchin said:

Sure, that’s entirely possible. And to be honest I have the same fears as everyone about the team getting weaker and being replaced by dross. But posting the same negativity day after day doesn’t stop it from happening and just derails the thread from purely transfer news/related. (Not a pop at any particular poster) trying to tell myself as much as anyone else. I think it’s trauma from the last few years coming out… 🤣🤷🏼‍♂️

Stephens getting an extension really did a number on the morale of the fanbase judging from the forum. Stupid move from that perspective by the club - just eroded any burgeoning faith in the new overlords (Spors etc)

[Miltonaggro]

13 minutes ago, imadirtyurchin said:

Stephens getting an extension really did a number on the morale of the fanbase judging from the forum. Stupid move from that perspective by the club - just eroded any burgeoning faith in the new overlords (Spors etc)

Exactly this.  The next red morale flag is Ramsdale exiting (whether loan or permanent) and us counting down to Wrexham with Baz and Macca in the wings. 

[Gloucester Saint]

25 minutes ago, St Louis said:

He had a decent season and scored 7 goals (vital late ones too) the last time we had a season in The Championship. He also scored in the Playoff Semi and assisted Armstrong's goal in the final. So I wouldnt wish him away too fast. We dont have world class players tripping over themselves to join Southampton.
He's probably on relatively modest wages too, wants to be here, came through the academy, etc. I would definitely have him in the squad.
Personally I would keep him over Aribo for example, for all of the reasons above.

He did have a decent season last time but needs to be scoring double figures and similar assists if Still builds around him as Will simply cannot perform in a 2 man central midfield. There were enough examples where we leaked like a sieve and the opposition charged through gaps (see Norwich home and many others).

He locks you into a 3-man central midfield, you sell him or use him as an impact player if Still changes formation, Smallbone will want to play at his age so selling is the obvious answer with only a year left.

Aribo’s only got a year left also and surprised he hasn’t gone yet. Can at least play in a central two in the Champ, albeit not the PL, but he will go.

[Saint86]

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

I think the general vibe is that we will go into this Championship season weaker than we did last time. Last time out we had Tella, JWP, Lavia, Adams, Bednarek, KWP all involved for the first couple of games at the very least. 

If the club are actively looking to move on from the likes of Smallbone and Edozie then it suggests they've identified the weaknesses correctly, and given the gaps they will leave in the squad - they'll have to be replaced. It would be quite difficult to find players less effective than either of those, so you'd hope by default we'll be stronger with the replacements.

We'll find out in Sept I guess.

Both smallbone and Edozie are good players for a championship promotion contending squad. The weakness is that we need stronger starters. Getting rid of squad depth doesn't in any way shape or form mean "we've identified the weaknesses correctly"... it just means we've got no starters and no squad depth...We're a week and a bit out from the season starting, and we quite simply are a long way for being ready. As fans, what i think is most awkwar/frustrating, is that we in fact look set to lose all 4 of our best players, plus players we would have assumed would be squad depth and that we would have improved upon this window, and yet we are no closer to seeing what final form the squad will take (not a form that is encouraging currently anyway).

I know the window is still open and that we are at the mercy of other clubs, but i had certainly hoped we'd be in a better position that this at this point, and its disappointing given how long we had to be prepared. We can only hope that Spors and co can deliver on much needed reinforcements as the window closed - for sure they'll be in for a busy and stressful period.

Edited 21 hours ago by Saint86

[Gloucester Saint]

Just now, Saint86 said:

Both smallbone and Edozie are good players for a championship promotion contending squad. The weakness is that we need stronger starters. Getting rid of squad depth doesn't in any way shape or form mean "we've identified the weaknesses correctly"... it just means we've got no starters and no squad depth...We're a week and a bit out from the season starting, and we quite simply are a long way for being ready. I know the window is still open and that we are at the mercy of other clubs, but i had certainly hoped we'd be in a better position that this at this point, and its disappointing given how long we had to be prepared. We can only hope that Spors and co can deliver on much needed reinforcements as the window closed - for sure they'll be in for a busy and stressful period.

Smallbone is effective but only in a central three. He simply cannot do what is physically needed in a two. So if Still wants to use him, that locks him in on formation. 

[Wade Garrett]

6 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

Got to love Liverpool fans. 
 

literally burned TAA shirts when he ran his contract down, to praise Isak for going on strike to force a move to Liverpool.

Given they are the people’s club who won’t overly spend compared to their rivals, they are sure spending this window

Wankers, the lot of them.

[Midfield_General]

5 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

If this doesn't highlight the need for effective wingers at this club then nothing does

What that says to me is that we must spend whatever it takes to get Redmond back

#WelcomeHomeNathan

[Wade Garrett]

7 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Smallbone is effective but only in a central three. He simply cannot do what is physically needed in a two. So if Still wants to use him, that locks him in on formation. 

He is less shit in a 3 than a 2.  He isn’t effective in either formation.

[Saint86]

4 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Smallbone is effective but only in a central three. He simply cannot do what is physically needed in a two. So if Still wants to use him, that locks him in on formation. 

Don't disagree, but equally players can change their game and be coached. Look at JWP under hassenhuttle - added aggression and more of an engine into his game.

Smallbone was a good player for us in the championship - not least during the playoffs. I am not against selling him and know he struggles at prem level due to his physicality - but currently we seem likely to sell Fernandes, Edozie, Smallbone, Aribo, and Dibling.... Who exactly are we planning on using as our attacking mids/wingers next season - fraser, AA and Robinson? We've seen one tenuous link to an attacking midfielder that frankly is far above our level, seemingly rejected us, and may be using us for another move or better contract.

Fall behind in early august and we're playing catch up all season - and that assumes we manager to get good replacements in for all these players. Hoping we see some positive news on the transfer front soon.

[OldNick]

😀

Lol no, Im incredibly lucky that she is not needy. No card, no presents and I asked if she wants to go out for a meal and she said no we can have a toasted sarnie. Its all about spending it on kids/grandkids. Anyway thats enough about me, we need some good transfer speculation, get your bible out and give us some wild clues 😀