Pre Season Friendlies 2025/26

[gio1saints]

leaving TD and THB out are the big surprises for me. 

I would not leave either alone in the UK away from the squad whilst we go on tour in a million years. I wont buy any they will heal /recover better in UK crap either.

They needs to be bonding with the team not isolated from it. Bringing them to Spain -though unfit- would be a STATEMENT of faith in them and squad solidarity - not bringing them is the obvious opposite.
 

V Disappointed as it means they are even more likely to depart, that’s clear enough-to me anyway. 

[hypochondriac]

Just now, Patches O Houlihan said:

If you wanted to negotiate for the sale of Saints player from a position of strength you need to make the buyer feel that it is a distressed sale: If the player is left behind after a statement like this from the manager then you are negotiating from a position of weakness...

Seems an odd statement to make then. Alfie seems to think that recent injuries could have meant we ended up taking more players. Possibly THB and Downes being injured mean we take Aribo and one of the cbs? 

[Pwoite]

No Ballard, either. Clearly his days look numbered.

This time last year O’Brian Whitmarsh got a look in, but no mention of him or most of the resu of the U21s, apart from Sesay.

[hypochondriac]

Just now, gio1saints said:

leaving TD and THB out are the big surprises for me. 

I would not leave either alone in the UK away from the squad whilst we go on tour in a million years. I wont buy any they will heal /recover better in UK crap either.

They needs to be bonding with the team not isolated from it. Bringing them to Spain -though unfit- would be a STATEMENT of faith in them and squad solidarity - not bringing them is the obvious opposite.
 

V Disappointed as it means they are even more likely to depart, that’s clear enough-to me anyway. 

Meh about THB we have so many centre backs that someone has to go and he's our most valuable defensive asset. Downes I agree that's a big loss if he goes. 

[Patches O Houlihan]

1 minute ago, hypochondriac said:

Seems an odd statement to make then. Alfie seems to think that recent injuries could have meant we ended up taking more players. Possibly THB and Downes being injured mean we take Aribo and one of the cbs? 

If you don't make the statement then we appear to be reasonably keen to sell everyone/anyone. Make the statement and every sale will potentially earn you an extra £1 mill because you have made the player appear to be in demand by his new manager and current club

[AlexLaw76]

Dibling off then

[tdmickey3]

[CSA96]

12 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

leaving TD and THB out are the big surprises for me. 

I would not leave either alone in the UK away from the squad whilst we go on tour in a million years. I wont buy any they will heal /recover better in UK crap either.

They needs to be bonding with the team not isolated from it. Bringing them to Spain -though unfit- would be a STATEMENT of faith in them and squad solidarity - not bringing them is the obvious opposite.
 

V Disappointed as it means they are even more likely to depart, that’s clear enough-to me anyway. 

Today was a travel day, with Wednesday and Saturday as game days. So there's only three solid days of training to be had: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (and maybe a bit of today and Sunday on top, if they fly later?)

If a player is injured and isn't participating with the group, why would you stick them on a plane drag them over to Girona for three days of training which they can't even join in with?

May as well leave them with the larger medical/rehab team back in Southampton, with access to better facilities, and get them to rest up and rehab for the games that actually do matter

Edited 9 hours ago by CSA96

[trousers]

The main positive to me is that Fernandes is on the plane. Perhaps a sign there's a decent chance he's staying...? (or at least no tangible interest in him as things stand)

[S-Clarke]

So, the notable missing:

CBs:

ABK - No shit. Hopefully goes shortly.

Bednarek - Again, no surprise. He'll go somewhere for £6m, just negotiating his move I imagine.

THB - Still recovering from a long term, although I'd have expected him to be with the group anyway - just for the team work if anything else.

CMs:

Downes, Matusuki - both injured, but expected them to be with the group. I'd imagine Matsuki will go out on loan for some reason. Not sure why. Another player we brought in to aid others rather than us seemingly.

Attack:

Dibling - the real surprise, I can't see him staying now. I know he's injured, but it doesn't send out a strong message.

Sadly, we've taken pretty much 100% of the dross with us and most of the players missing are the really important ones. It's not the cull I thought it would be, but it also shows that the squad is very, very weak on quality should the 4 above not stay with us.

 

 

[gio1saints]

3 minutes ago, CSA96 said:

Today was a travel day, with Wednesday and Saturday as game days. So there's only three solid days of training to be had: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (and maybe a bit of today and Sunday on top, if they fly later?)

If a player is injured and isn't participating with the group, why would you stick them on a plane drag them over to Girona for three days of training which they can't even join in with?

May as well leave them with the larger medical/rehab team back in Southampton, with access to better facilities, and get them to rest up and rehab for the games that actually do matter

Because they are less likely to be chatted up if they are in Spain with teammates. And they might feel the love more surrounded by mates. Especially Tyler. Psychologically speaking it’s not brilliant.
I can swallow the they are injured so leave them behind argument if you like but quite literally the only person not “injured” who is not there is Jan. Him leaving is hardly a revelation.

Still seemed to suggest who was or was not going would be meaningful - I think it is despite the “injured” cover story thats developing as the bona fide reason. Sry to be suspicious on this just don’t look right to me. 

[qwertyell]

Love seeing the squad written out like this to remind everyone what a shower of shit we're stuck with. 

And that's even before the semi decent players leave. 

[CSA96]

9 minutes ago, gio1saints said:

Because they are less likely to be chatted up if they are in Spain with teammates. And they might feel the love more surrounded by mates. Especially Tyler. Psychologically speaking it’s not brilliant.
I can swallow the they are injured so leave them behind argument if you like but quite literally the only person not “injured” who is not there is Jan. Him leaving is hardly a revelation.

Still seemed to suggest who was or was not going would be meaningful - I think it is despite the “injured” cover story thats developing as the bona fide reason. Sry to be suspicious on this just don’t look right to me. 

It's 2025 and the 'chatting up' of football transfers happens on WhatsApp, regardless of where clubs/players/agents are at any moment in time

[Midfield_General]

Interesting that we're taking a 4th goalkeeper. Surely suggests that they are expecting to give Moody more of a role with the first team this season, which would suggest that one of the three seniors is off. 

Also see that West Ham are rumoured to be going for Hermandsen from Leicester, which if true would at least be one potentially attractive suitor for Ramsdale who could be ruled out. 

Obviously it's still overwhelmingly most likely to be Ramsdale who goes, but one can live in hope. 

[trousers]

 

 

[revolution saint]

28 minutes ago, trousers said:

The main positive to me is that Fernandes is on the plane. Perhaps a sign there's a decent chance he's staying...? (or at least no tangible interest in him as things stand)

Yeah, I still expect him to go but glad he's there and taking part.  If nothing else the team will "click" better going forwards and the whole team will be a bit more cohesive.

[Dusic]

Only one to be particularly bothered about is Downes as him missing much of the start of the season would be a big blow as light on options in a more defensive role.

Dibling will obviously go if we get a good offer as he hasnt signed a new deal so whether injured or not hopefully that happens soon as a big fee also helps with the slight possibility of keeping MF.

Wide attacker signing needed!

Edited 8 hours ago by Dusic

[gio1saints]

18 minutes ago, CSA96 said:

It's 2025 and the 'chatting up' of football transfers happens on WhatsApp, regardless of where clubs/players/agents are at any moment in time

Really? I had no idea. 

[saintant]

35 minutes ago, S-Clarke said:

So, the notable missing:

CBs:

ABK - No shit. Hopefully goes shortly.

Bednarek - Again, no surprise. He'll go somewhere for £6m, just negotiating his move I imagine.

THB - Still recovering from a long term, although I'd have expected him to be with the group anyway - just for the team work if anything else.

CMs:

Downes, Matusuki - both injured, but expected them to be with the group. I'd imagine Matsuki will go out on loan for some reason. Not sure why. Another player we brought in to aid others rather than us seemingly.

Attack:

Dibling - the real surprise, I can't see him staying now. I know he's injured, but it doesn't send out a strong message.

Sadly, we've taken pretty much 100% of the dross with us and most of the players missing are the really important ones. It's not the cull I thought it would be, but it also shows that the squad is very, very weak on quality should the 4 above not stay with us.

 

 

Regards Dibling it makes me wonder if a deal is well advanced and the buying club have insisted he does not go on the tour.

[trousers]

3 minutes ago, saintant said:

Regards Dibling it makes me wonder if a deal is well advanced and the buying club have insisted he does not go on the tour.

It could be considered somewhat convenient that Dibling missed the Valenciennes game with a reported "minor problem"

 

[revolution saint]

3 minutes ago, trousers said:

It could be considered somewhat convenient that Dibling missed the Valenciennes game with a reported "minor problem"

 

Weird, I just assumed they both had temperamental old cars.

[trousers]

 

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

1 hour ago, gio1saints said:

leaving TD and THB out are the big surprises for me. 

I would not leave either alone in the UK away from the squad whilst we go on tour in a million years. I wont buy any they will heal /recover better in UK crap either.

They needs to be bonding with the team not isolated from it. Bringing them to Spain -though unfit- would be a STATEMENT of faith in them and squad solidarity - not bringing them is the obvious opposite.
 

V Disappointed as it means they are even more likely to depart, that’s clear enough-to me anyway. 

 It's enjoyable reading the sleuths at work: So and so is on the plane, a good sign. So and so is not on the plane. Is it a double bluff to enhance our negotiating hand or is he really injured? Frankly, with the transfer window not shut until September, it's highly likely that a few of the players that start against Wrexham will be gone a few weeks later.

What is apparent is that we're not in any rush to buy new players. And THB will be wearing a Saints shirt this season and he will come good.

[trousers]

Just now, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said:

THB will be wearing a Saints shirt this season

Source?

[Badger]

57 minutes ago, qwertyell said:

Love seeing the squad written out like this to remind everyone what a shower of shit we're stuck with. 

And that's even before the semi decent players leave. 

Depressing isn't it ?

[SNSUN]

1 hour ago, trousers said:

The main positive to me is that Fernandes is on the plane. Perhaps a sign there's a decent chance he's staying...? (or at least no tangible interest in him as things stand)

Imma calculate... he's contracted to us and there has been no concrete interest. 

But seriously, we're owned by SR. They'd sell their own Granny, Uncle and Daughter if the price was right. Until the window slams shut I won't be confident anyone we have on our books stays.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

3 minutes ago, SNSUN said:

Imma calculate... he's contracted to us and there has been no concrete interest. 

But seriously, we're owned by SR. They'd sell their own Granny, Uncle and Daughter if the price was right. Until the window slams shut I won't be confident anyone we have on our books stays.

Apart from Jack Stephens 

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

12 minutes ago, trousers said:

Source?

Sorry, Trousers, I'm not one of the ITK people. It's just a strong hunch. He's a young lad who didn't have the best season in the premier league, but is solid in what he does and has something to prove - and gives off the vibe that he's passionate and gives a shit about the club so will want to stay.

[ally_uk]

Regarding Dibs, transfer was probably down end of last season... 

[Doctoroncall]

2 hours ago, Patches O Houlihan said:

If you don't make the statement then we appear to be reasonably keen to sell everyone/anyone. Make the statement and every sale will potentially earn you an extra £1 mill because you have made the player appear to be in demand by his new manager and current club

Do you really believe that no other clubs, agents and players know the situation at Southampton?

Every player has their value whether they are in demand or not (except Jack Stephens of course). It’s not like a car boot sale where everything must go. Many may well go on loan. 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

3 minutes ago, ally_uk said:

Regarding Dibs, transfer was probably down end of last season... 

Probably a very simplistic view, but if by some miracle selling Dibling to keep Ramsdale and Ferndades was the plan, then that would be terrific. Not that I ever expect it to happen.

[Saint_clark]

12 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Probably a very simplistic view, but if by some miracle selling Dibling to keep Ramsdale and Ferndades was the plan, then that would be terrific. Not that I ever expect it to happen.

Not even that fussed about Ramsdale, keeping Fernandes should be the number one priority. 

[Willo of Whiteley]

I’m guessing some people on this thread have missed the fact that a number of the excluded players are injured. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

The panic in some people.

[bugenhagen]

3 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Not even that fussed about Ramsdale, keeping Fernandes should be the number one priority. 

Fernandes is number one for me as well. The main reason I am a little fussed about Ramsdale, is that keeping him guarantees no Bazunu.

[Football Special]

2 hours ago, qwertyell said:

Love seeing the squad written out like this to remind everyone what a shower of shit we're stuck with. 

And that's even before the semi decent players leave. 

Combined with a very inexperienced manager who will need time  I just don't see us in the top 2 , in fact we'll be quite a few points off them 

[Willo of Whiteley]

There’s nothing particularly significant in the squad that’s been taken to Spain, only that a number of the players left out have picked up knocks or are injured.

[Matthew Le God]

22 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Combined with a very inexperienced manager who will need time  I just don't see us in the top 2 , in fact we'll be quite a few points off them 

He has been a manager in the 5th best European league for 3 seasons and has plenty of other football experience in other capacities for roughly a decade. He is early in his career, but I wouldn't call him "very inexperienced".

[HarvSFC]

41 minutes ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

Probably a very simplistic view, but if by some miracle selling Dibling to keep Ramsdale and Ferndades was the plan, then that would be terrific. Not that I ever expect it to happen.

I'd definitely side with this. If we have to make one big sale this summer, although you could argue that Sulemana surprisingly became our big sale this window, then it'd be Dibling of the big three. I think he's the least suited to a Still team of the three and while his ceiling is probably the highest of them, his form from Martin's sacking was the lowest and I'd say there are still question marks over him fulfilling that potential. So, if we could get a good fee for him, allowing us a bit more financial strength in keeping the other two, then I think it'd suit.

But, then last time we sold Livramento, Ward-Prowse, Lavia and then Tella. Getting good fees for all, but didn't allow us to keep any. 

[suewhistle]

For all the talk of a cull, surely we have to wait to see who gets left behind over there..

[Miltonaggro]

42 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Not even that fussed about Ramsdale, keeping Fernandes should be the number one priority. 

I've heard from a previously reliable source that Solak personally wants to keep those two at Saints 'at all costs.'  Despite that, I doubt that we will pull it off but heigh ho.

I also think Will Still adds another layer to this selection as his 'if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem' radar feels quite strong.  Certain players prefer cuddles and ego massage, maybe Harwood-Bellis and Dibling fit that profile.  Could also be a ginger gee up to Spors as well of course.  

[saintant]

38 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Combined with a very inexperienced manager who will need time  I just don't see us in the top 2 , in fact we'll be quite a few points off them 

Will Still may be young but he already has quite a lot of experience and has been a success at Reims one of the biggest clubs in France and also Lens who have enjoyed good moments. Yes, he lacks experience in the English leagues but his track record is pretty good up to now. I think he'll be good for us as long as he is backed with a decent squad.

[saintant]

3 minutes ago, suewhistle said:

For all the talk of a cull, surely we have to wait to see who gets left behind over there..

Are we going to dump those we don't want in Spain then? 🙂

[Saint86]

47 minutes ago, Football Special said:

Combined with a very inexperienced manager who will need time  I just don't see us in the top 2 , in fact we'll be quite a few points off them 

Still isn't inexperienced, and his track record at every club he's been at is one of success and improvement.

[Turkish]

49 minutes ago, Willo of Whiteley said:

I’m guessing some people on this thread have missed the fact that a number of the excluded players are injured. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤣

The panic in some people.

We have some absolute cocks as fans pal

[Farmer Saint]

3 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Meh about THB we have so many centre backs that someone has to go and he's our most valuable defensive asset. Downes I agree that's a big loss if he goes. 

I am not a fan of THB, and I have made that very clear over the last year. I was also not bothered about KWP leaving. Bednarek needs to fuck off, as does ABK. Stephens needs to go but wont, as does Baz and McCarthy. Defence has been a problem since Hass was here, and all of these players have contributed to that. Fucking losers the lot of them.

[hypochondriac]

1 minute ago, Farmer Saint said:

I am not a fan of THB, and I have made that very clear over the last year. I was also not bothered about KWP leaving. Bednarek needs to fuck off, as does ABK. Stephens needs to go but wont, as does Baz and McCarthy. Defence has been a problem since Hass was here, and all of these players have contributed to that. Fucking losers the lot of them.

Absolutely fine with all that. Worth remembering as well that our defence last time we were in this division was pretty crap. I'd love us to have a really solid defensive line this year, possibly more than scoring a ton. 

[Farmer Saint]

I will continue to say, and you guys can believe me or not, but clubs aren't interested in Dibling anywhere near the price we want. His sojourn to Chelsea has flashed up too many red flags. 

He will still be owned by Southampton next year.

[Farmer Saint]

Just now, hypochondriac said:

Absolutely fine with all that. Worth remembering as well that our defence last time we were in this division was pretty crap. I'd love us to have a really solid defensive line this year, possibly more than scoring a ton. 

Exactly 💯 

There was a good reason that Kompany did not want to purchase THB.

Edited 5 hours ago by Farmer Saint

[hypochondriac]

7 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I will continue to say, and you guys can believe me or not, but clubs aren't interested in Dibling anywhere near the price we want. His sojourn to Chelsea has flashed up too many red flags. 

He will still be owned by Southampton next year.

That wouldn't surprise me. Would just be a bit of a shame though because that probably means we're cashing in other assets. I'd probably take keeping Fernandes and Dibling if we just lose Ramsdale and THB. 

[Verbal]

10 minutes ago, Farmer Saint said:

I will continue to say, and you guys can believe me or not, but clubs aren't interested in Dibling anywhere near the price we want. His sojourn to Chelsea has flashed up too many red flags. 

He will still be owned by Southampton next year.

Bookmarked for praise/ridicule