Summer Transfer Window 2025/26

[Holmes_and_Watson]

10 minutes ago, Turkish said:

I think back and wonder if the Livramento signing was the catalyst behind the disaster of the 2022 windows. Having signed him and put him straight in the first team where he settled straight away did the club think they had struck gold and that everyone would do the same? I know common sense tells you that is not going to be the case but since when has common sense ever been a factor as this club when we constantly try and reinvent the way football clubs are run?

I think this is right. They used Tino's success as proof that a policy of signing youth players at top clubs, who were perhaps too good for their academy, but hadn't broke through, was the way to go. Proof of their low cost, high profit model. Also piggybacked onto our record with the likes of Bale, Walcott etc

Then, following the takeover, promptly-

Expanded that pool to players not at the same level

Thought it applied to every position

Thought they could buy in bulk

Moved out experienced players, losing ability, knowledge and leaving developing kids to play a lot of minutes, where their form would fluctuate.

[East Kent Saint]

7 minutes ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I think this is right. They used Tino's success as proof that a policy of signing youth players at top clubs, who were perhaps too good for their academy, but hadn't broke through, was the way to go. Proof of their low cost, high profit model. Also piggybacked onto our record with the likes of Bale, Walcott etc

Then, following the takeover, promptly-

Expanded that pool to players not at the same level

Thought it applied to every position

Thought they could buy in bulk

Moved out experienced players, losing ability, knowledge and leaving developing kids to play a lot of minutes, where their form would fluctuate.

This implies they had a plan ! It is more like “ we can sell xyz and buy abc” but failed to buy abc so we ended up with stu instead .

[Holmes_and_Watson]

15 minutes ago, East Kent Saint said:

This implies they had a plan ! It is more like “ we can sell xyz and buy abc” but failed to buy abc so we ended up with stu instead .

I think it ended up being the same.

Mr. Football's genius plan failed. But he's not short of a new plan. Every day, if needed. So, the "plans" are just reactions. As such, things get worse as the whole thing is shot to pieces as we've seen this season.

[Dusic]

Bednarek was above the level of the Championship last time and its the relative quality of those types that gets you promotions.

For £6m there is little chance we can buy that in so whilst I don't begrudge him a move I am suprised people celebrate something like that.

He is a PL experienced Intl CB in his prime who is rarely injured! Was massive last time out in the Champ. 

The whole advantage you have as a relegated team is having some players who are too good for the lower level - regardless of their PL ability. Don't wish them all away!

 

Edited 15 hours ago by Dusic

[Holmes_and_Watson]

5 minutes ago, Dusic said:

Bednarek was above the level of the Championship last time and its the relative quality of those types that gets you promotions.

For £6m there is little chance we can buy that in so whilst I don't begrudge him a move I am suprised people celebrate something like that.

He is a PL experienced Intl CB in his prime who is rarely injured! Was massive last time out in the Champ. 

 

I thought his days were numbered, at the time of the Villa loan. But, despite the outcome for the team, he's got on with doing what he can.

For what we paid, we've had that back. He's also kept his place through all the other centre backs that have come and gone. He would be straight into the first team for next season too.

I think he'd do okay elsewhere, and agree that it's hard to begrudge him a move.

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Turkish said:

I think back and wonder if the Livramento signing was the catalyst behind the disaster of the 2022 windows. Having signed him and put him straight in the first team where he settled straight away did the club think they had struck gold and that everyone would do the same? I know common sense tells you that is not going to be the case but since when has common sense ever been a factor as this club when we constantly try and reinvent the way football clubs are run?

IIRC they pretty much made a strategy out of that transfer which fed into the SR takeover - Semmens may even have referred to it in the press release - and you can see a direct correlation as you say to the summer 2022 window. 

[Badger]

1 hour ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I think this is right. They used Tino's success as proof that a policy of signing youth players at top clubs, who were perhaps too good for their academy, but hadn't broke through, was the way to go. Proof of their low cost, high profit model. Also piggybacked onto our record with the likes of Bale, Walcott etc

 

Didn't they sell Livramento  the same year that they sold Lavia ? Obviously just reinforcing their belief.

[Gloucester Saint]

32 minutes ago, Badger said:

Didn't they sell Livramento  the same year that they sold Lavia ? Obviously just reinforcing their belief.

Yes, IIRC, summer 2023. Tino had done back towards the end of the season after his ACL injury sustained at Brighton. 

[Chez]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

Bednarek was above the level of the Championship last time and its the relative quality of those types that gets you promotions.

For £6m there is little chance we can buy that in so whilst I don't begrudge him a move I am suprised people celebrate something like that.

He is a PL experienced Intl CB in his prime who is rarely injured! Was massive last time out in the Champ. 

The whole advantage you have as a relegated team is having some players who are too good for the lower level - regardless of their PL ability. Don't wish them all away!

 

Good point. I'd be inclined to keep him (the escape clause and possible interest from elsewhere will dictate that) as he played well last time in the championship. No reason why we can't look to offload him (and others) the summer after, should we identify an upgrade that we can actually sign. 

That said, if Rohl becomes the new manager, then he may revert to four at the back (he has played 4 at the back 30 times, 5 at the back 19 times this season), which means we have far too many players that can play there: Bednarek, THB, Stevens, Edwards, Wood, ABK, Sanda and Taylor. 

[Jeremy Corbyn]

If we were to revert to a back 4 would Edwards and Wood as a starting pair (with the hope they step up and start to show premier league potential) be too risky?

[Midfield_General]

2 hours ago, Holmes_and_Watson said:

I think it ended up being the same.

Mr. Football's genius plan failed. But he's not short of a new plan. Every day, if needed. So, the "plans" are just reactions. As such, things get worse as the whole thing is shot to pieces as we've seen this season.

Yeah, any joker can come up with a plan. It's a) how you implement it, and b) what you do when it inevitably stops working that actually makes the difference between success and failure. 

As per the well-known but spot-on quote from Mike Tyson: 'Everyone got a plan 'til they get punched in the face'. 

Edited 14 hours ago by Midfield_General

[Chez]

19 minutes ago, Jeremy Corbyn said:

If we were to revert to a back 4 would Edwards and Wood as a starting pair (with the hope they step up and start to show premier league potential) be too risky?

Wood wasn't good in the Championship last season. That is a concern for me. But he's not yet turned 23, so maybe he will find his feet next season. I need to see Edwards in a Saints shirt before I make any decision in his ability. The same applies to Charles. He has got praise from Sheff Wednesday fans, but even they admit the bar has been incredibly low in terms of talent in their squad. 

We want to win the league next season. To do that we could do with having the best players in the league in a few positions. 

[Chez]

12 minutes ago, Midfield_General said:

Yeah, any joker can come up with a plan. It's a) how you implement it, and b) what you do when it inevitably stops working that actually makes the difference between success and failure. 

As per the well-known but spot-on quote from Mike Tyson: 'Everyone got a plan 'til they get punched in the face'. 

is our plan simply to keep punching ourselves in the face?

[Midfield_General]

Just now, Chez said:

is our plan simply to keep punching ourselves in the face?

As we've been told - if it ain't broke, break it. 

'It' apparently being own own nose, jaw and spirit, it would seem. 

[Oldandtired]

7 minutes ago, Chez said:

 

We want to win the league next season. To do that we could do with having the best players in the league in a few positions. 

I don't think we've had that for awhile now. The problem I see is how do we attract players who can attain these heights? As far as I know we're not the best payers in the league, I don't think it's going to be an easy ride to promotion next season, so if we're not careful all we are going to get is more average championship dross. Of course we could get lucky and unearth a gem as with Fernandes, but I can't believe that we would be that lucky again.

Perhaps a lot will depend on our choice of manager, or rather the manager who chooses us. 

Edited 13 hours ago by Oldandtired

[Midfield_General]

15 minutes ago, Oldandtired said:

I don't think we've had that for awhile now. The problem I see is how do we attract players who can attain these heights? As far as I know we're not the best payers in the league, I don't think it's going to be an easy ride to promotion next season, so if we're not careful all we are going to get is more average championship dross. Of course we could get lucky and unearth a gem as with Fernandes, but I can't believe that we would be that lucky again.

Perhaps a lot will depend on our choice of manager, or rather the manager who chooses us. 

This is this season's Championship team of the season. Notice Josh Sargent picked at CF, who most on here turned their noses up at as a suggestion for us next season. It's not exactly full of world-beaters, just decent players who've been used sensibly and effectively by their managers. 

We're more than capable of attracting players of this quality, and we should have the resources to do it. Our challenge is that we need a) someone competent to identify them and bring them in (hopefully this is Spors and his team), and then b) a competent manager to play them to their strengths and not ask them to do things they're not capable of doing (hopefully this will be a solid, pragmatic manager with an encouraging track record for the level we're at).

It should be reasonably simple. The problem is that SR don't do simple, or at least they haven't up to this point. There's so much riding on Spors being good at his job and sticking around, and on Dragan having genuinely learned some lessons, and everyone just focusing on getting the basics right. 

Edited 13 hours ago by Midfield_General

[Chez]

29 minutes ago, Oldandtired said:

I don't think we've had that for awhile now. The problem I see is how do we attract players who can attain these heights? As far as I know we're not the best payers in the league, I don't think it's going to be an easy ride to promotion next season, so if we're not careful all we are going to get is more average championship dross. Of course we could get lucky and unearth a gem as with Fernandes, but I can't believe that we would be that lucky again.

Perhaps a lot will depend on our choice of manager, or rather the manager who chooses us. 

In championship terms, we are massive payers. Not many teams could afford what we spent on the Brooks, Downes and Fraser loans. We need to make similar signings. Depending on what happens in the summer, the funds may be there again, but it's crucial to have a manager in place that can make Southampton an appealing club to join, with prospect of games, wins, promotion and the hint of making the loan permanent should that happen. Martin, for all his critics, should be credited for doing that last time. I hope the new guy, Rohl or whoever has what it takes to make their `project' (horrific term, I know) appealing.

[Holmes_and_Watson]

1 hour ago, Midfield_General said:

This is this season's Championship team of the season. Notice Josh Sargent picked at CF, who most on here turned their noses up at as a suggestion for us next season. It's not exactly full of world-beaters, just decent players who've been used sensibly and effectively by their managers. 

We're more than capable of attracting players of this quality, and we should have the resources to do it. Our challenge is that we need a) someone competent to identify them and bring them in (hopefully this is Spors and his team), and then b) a competent manager to play them to their strengths and not ask them to do things they're not capable of doing (hopefully this will be a solid, pragmatic manager with an encouraging track record for the level we're at).

It should be reasonably simple. The problem is that SR don't do simple, or at least they haven't up to this point. There's so much riding on Spors being good at his job and sticking around, and on Dragan having genuinely learned some lessons, and everyone just focusing on getting the basics right. 

It's not a coincidence that Sargent is in there alongside Sainz.

Norwich's lone attacker can be an isolated spectator without a really good creative players pulling the strings.

They looked good back when Buendia was doing the same.

That said, there's no doubt Sargent has improved season on season. So, not taking away credit from him.

To have two in there, as their season has limped into midtable shows how good those two were.

[BarberSaint]

2 hours ago, Chez said:

Wood wasn't good in the Championship last season. That is a concern for me. But he's not yet turned 23, so maybe he will find his feet next season. I need to see Edwards in a Saints shirt before I make any decision in his ability. The same applies to Charles. He has got praise from Sheff Wednesday fans, but even they admit the bar has been incredibly low in terms of talent in their squad. 

We want to win the league next season. To do that we could do with having the best players in the league in a few positions. 

 

From memory, Edwards reads the game well which is why I rate him. Very useful asset.

[Farmer Saint]

3 hours ago, Chez said:

Good point. I'd be inclined to keep him (the escape clause and possible interest from elsewhere will dictate that) as he played well last time in the championship. No reason why we can't look to offload him (and others) the summer after, should we identify an upgrade that we can actually sign. 

That said, if Rohl becomes the new manager, then he may revert to four at the back (he has played 4 at the back 30 times, 5 at the back 19 times this season), which means we have far too many players that can play there: Bednarek, THB, Stevens, Edwards, Wood, ABK, Sanda and Taylor. 

He's also on £65k PW, so for me, even in the Prem, that is too much for Bednarek.

[S-Clarke]

I'd be more than happy to see the back of Bednarek, an incredibly limited centre back who is exposed so much at this level. He got away with it in a lower league. He hasn't developed at all with us really, he's been part of some shit teams over the years and has been at the forefront of some big, big losses. 

It's time to clear the decks and he's one of those who I'd take what I can get for and start again with a young CB like Edwards.

Edited 10 hours ago by S-Clarke

[revolution saint]

1 hour ago, S-Clarke said:

I'd be more than happy to see the back of Bednarek, an incredibly limited centre back who is exposed so much at this level. He got away with it in a lower league. He hasn't developed at all with us really, he's been part of some shit teams over the years and has been at the forefront of some big, big losses. 

It's time to clear the decks and he's one of those who I'd take what I can get for and start again with a young CB like Edwards.

I’m not really fussed either way but that does feel a little harsh on Bednarek. Seems like every opinion has to be binary these days, either brilliant or rubbish. I think he’s average.

I know you rate Edwards but the limited amount I’ve seen of him hasn’t really suggested anything fantastic. Awareness and a bit of composure at this level but not that mobile. I’ll wait and see on him and he’ll probably be fine for the championship but I’m not expecting him to be a massive upgrade on Bednarek.

[Dark Munster]

11 hours ago, chivvy said:

What I'd love to is ABK loved told he was 1st choice and go out and fulfill your potential.  He looked awesome at one stage . The championship could be the league to rebuild his career. Sadly perhaps he doesn't have the application..lots of managers can't all be wrong.

They can - if they're hand picked by a certain Mr. Ankersen.

[ErwinK1961]

8 hours ago, Dusic said:

Bednarek was above the level of the Championship last time and its the relative quality of those types that gets you promotions.

For £6m there is little chance we can buy that in so whilst I don't begrudge him a move I am suprised people celebrate something like that.

He is a PL experienced Intl CB in his prime who is rarely injured! Was massive last time out in the Champ. 

The whole advantage you have as a relegated team is having some players who are too good for the lower level - regardless of their PL ability. Don't wish them all away!

 

I see what you’re saying, but personally aside from Fernandes, there isn’t one player I’d be bothered about leaving.

Players like Bednarek to me are just synonymous with the perpetual cycle of shiteness we’ve endured over the last 7 years. We need a complete fresh start.

[Chez]

3 hours ago, Farmer Saint said:

He's also on £65k PW, so for me, even in the Prem, that is too much for Bednarek.

Going rate for a regular Prem player I guess, but my view is we should never be giving second (or even third) PL contracts to players like he obviously got. If we have a player that bigger PL clubs (which is pretty much all of them) don't want to sign for a fee or on a free, then we should give up on them and try again by bringing in someone that could be better. We reward mediocrity far too often because we simply don't have confidence in our recruitment.

[Gloucester Saint]

6 hours ago, Chez said:

Wood wasn't good in the Championship last season. That is a concern for me. But he's not yet turned 23, so maybe he will find his feet next season. I need to see Edwards in a Saints shirt before I make any decision in his ability. The same applies to Charles. He has got praise from Sheff Wednesday fans, but even they admit the bar has been incredibly low in terms of talent in their squad. 

We want to win the league next season. To do that we could do with having the best players in the league in a few positions. 

Wood had Spurs and Arsenal after him a couple of years back so he has the raw materials - height, pace, decent on the ball. He is genuinely quick for a CB.

The worry is concentration, Stephens-level ball watching and then some. Is that something that can be fixed for the PL in the future?

[Chez]

10 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Wood had Spurs and Arsenal after him a couple of years back so he has the raw materials - height, pace, decent on the ball. He is genuinely quick for a CB.

The worry is concentration, Stephens-level ball watching and then some. Is that something that can be fixed for the PL in the future?

Possibly, but if it goes like it did last time, CBs won't be tested anywhere near the level they are in the PL. Time after time we `got away with it' in the championship and it was obvious to me, that if we did similar things on promotion, PL players would murder us. Wingers don't fail to take advantage of slips ups, strikers don't miss chances etc. The defensive coaching has been woeful over the last five years or so. Year after year we get destroyed (and outnumbered on the break from our own corners. How on earth does that happen? Without better coaching and management I'm not sure the likes of Wood or Edwards will progress into PL players.

[Chez]

39 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

I see what you’re saying, but personally aside from Fernandes, there isn’t one player I’d be bothered about leaving.

Players like Bednarek to me are just synonymous with the perpetual cycle of shiteness we’ve endured over the last 7 years. We need a complete fresh start.

we dont need a complete start at keeper. Ramsdale is the one player I'd like to keep more than anyone else. I think he is top draw and don't dare think of what is behind him. Certainly not keepers I have any faith in at all.

[disconnect]

27 minutes ago, Gloucester Saint said:

Wood had Spurs and Arsenal after him a couple of years back so he has the raw materials - height, pace, decent on the ball. He is genuinely quick for a CB.

The worry is concentration, Stephens-level ball watching and then some. Is that something that can be fixed for the PL in the future?

10 minutes ago, Chez said:

Possibly, but if it goes like it did last time, CBs won't be tested anywhere near the level they are in the PL. Time after time we `got away with it' in the championship and it was obvious to me, that if we did similar things on promotion, PL players would murder us. Wingers don't fail to take advantage of slips ups, strikers don't miss chances etc. The defensive coaching has been woeful over the last five years or so. Year after year we get destroyed (and outnumbered on the break from our own corners. How on earth does that happen? Without better coaching and management I'm not sure the likes of Wood or Edwards will progress into PL players.

Wood was awful in pre-season and looked like he could give Callum Davenport a run for his money as one of our worst ever centre backs. Following those first couple of glimpses, I was quite surprised he didn't do too badly in his first few appearances near the end of Martin's reign, but he will need to improve big time to be a genuine starter for us (if we're serious of promotion).

I would imagine if both Bednarek and ABK go (along with probably Harwood-Bellis sadly) a proper centre back signing will be our main priority for the window. 

[Appy]

10 minutes ago, disconnect said:

Wood was awful in pre-season and looked like he could give Callum Davenport a run for his money as one of our worst ever centre backs. Following those first couple of glimpses, I was quite surprised he didn't do too badly in his first few appearances near the end of Martin's reign, but he will need to improve big time to be a genuine starter for us (if we're serious of promotion).

I would imagine if both Bednarek and ABK go (along with probably Harwood-Bellis sadly) a proper centre back signing will be our main priority for the window. 

That and a striker for sure. 

Edited 6 hours ago by Appy

[Chez]

14 minutes ago, disconnect said:

Wood was awful in pre-season and looked like he could give Callum Davenport a run for his money as one of our worst ever centre backs. Following those first couple of glimpses, I was quite surprised he didn't do too badly in his first few appearances near the end of Martin's reign, but he will need to improve big time to be a genuine starter for us (if we're serious of promotion).

 

Not down to him, but in his first three games we conceded 10 goals against Chelsea and Spurs and in between I thought he looked pretty poor against Villa. We were lucky to get away with a 1-0 win. They should have scored many times before doing so. My memory is not great, but I seem to recall he looked nervous, hesitant and a little clumsy. Bit of a baptism of fire. I really hope he finds his feet and thrives.

[ErwinK1961]

42 minutes ago, Chez said:

we dont need a complete start at keeper. Ramsdale is the one player I'd like to keep more than anyone else. I think he is top draw and don't dare think of what is behind him. Certainly not keepers I have any faith in at all.

Well we do, because there’s not a hope in hell Ramsdale is here next season.

Edited 6 hours ago by ErwinK1961

[Chez]

12 minutes ago, ErwinK1961 said:

Well we do, because there’s not a hope in hell Ramsdale is here next season.

you are right. I will rephrase. I don't want us to make a complete fresh start at keeper. Ramsdale is the best keeper we have had for donkeys...

[West end Saints]

When you look at the team that got us to play offs last time (Bazunu, KWP, THB, Bednarek, Manning, Stu, Downes, Smallbone, Fraser, Adams, AA) or even to win play offs (add Aribo, McCarthy, Brooks, Stephens).

How many will be available next season? 

How many are likely to be improved upon? 

I think Shea Charles will be very good for us, plus new younger players coming through, so even if KWP, Ramsdale, Sibling, Fernandes go, I would be very surprised if we aren't stronger than last time.

Downes, Charles, Smallbone will be as good as any teams midfield - (Smallbone was probably one of the best players from any team during play offs).

Defence / keeper will easily match last time - except KWP.

I think we are a centre forward away from being a very good championship side - if managed right.

But I do expect the odd surprise with who stays, and think we will sign quite a few. I would never say we will be comfortable for promotion but think we are very well placed, possibly the best of relegated sides

[chivvy]

I was hoping for a full pre season and regular  from ABK might fulfill his former potential . But with a year on his contract we should sell/loan .although he isn't on big money