Summer Transfer Window 2026

[Wade Garrett]

2 hours ago, Lee On Solent Saint said:

£7m for Damion Downs is the ultimate definition of madness 

Paying him a weekly wage is the ultimate definition of madness.  

[Pilchards]

1 hour ago, AlexLaw76 said:

He is a very good player, but well short of that money. 

fucking hell

The game has lost it big time.

I would go as far as saying Bellingham should reach the 110m mark while every other English player around the 45m - 55m bracket.

 

[Charlie Wayman]

3 hours ago, AlexLaw76 said:

He is a very good player, but well short of that money. 

fucking hell

The value of anything is defined by what people will pay, Simples.

[Saint_lambden]

Leicester want Archer. But not sure he’d be willing to drop down to L1, even if it was only for a season and meant him moving back to midlands. 

[hypochondriac]

7 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Leicester want Archer. But not sure he’d be willing to drop down to L1, even if it was only for a season and meant him moving back to midlands. 

How would they afford him? 

[Gloucester Saint]

24 minutes ago, Saint_lambden said:

Leicester want Archer. But not sure he’d be willing to drop down to L1, even if it was only for a season and meant him moving back to midlands. 

Linked with WBA which is more likely but even then potentially a financial stretch.

[Pilchards]

Thought Archer looked nippy last night.

Problem with him is he only turns up when it suits him.

[Lighthouse]

9 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

Thought Archer looked nippy last night.

Problem with him is he only turns up when it suits him.

You think he couldn't be arsed with PL promotion but he's fired up and ready to go for a friendly with Eastleigh?

Archer is a confidence player who needs to play the right role in the right system and it clearly didn't happen for him last year. I think to write him off as lazy is, well, lazy.

[hypochondriac]

2 minutes ago, Lighthouse said:

You think he couldn't be arsed with PL promotion but he's fired up and ready to go for a friendly with Eastleigh?

Archer is a confidence player who needs to play the right role in the right system and it clearly didn't happen for him last year. I think to write him off as lazy is, well, lazy.

Agreed. I'd be much happier ore inclined to give him more of a chance than someone like Downs. Archer has shown that in the right system and with the correct mindset he can be a big success in this league.

[OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint]

7 hours ago, goodymatt said:

 

It does seem like there could be a bidding war could be going on with Fulham, Leeds & C.Palace all being linked to Shea Charles. Hopefully our boys can keep drumming the interest up because ultimately he's third in the queue behind Downes and Jander and if we can get £30/35m for such a player sounds like a pretty good deal.

[hypochondriac]

We never get any interesting itk rumours to discuss anymore. The club are much too professional.

[Fabrice29]

3 hours ago, Pilchards said:

The game has lost it big time.

I would go as far as saying Bellingham should reach the 110m mark while every other English player around the 45m - 55m bracket.

 

 

40 minutes ago, Pilchards said:

Thought Archer looked nippy last night.

Problem with him is he only turns up when it suits him.

What do these comments even mean in reality? 😂

[Saint NL]

1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

We never get any interesting itk rumours to discuss anymore. The club are much too professional.

Did you miss the bit with the guy hiding behind a tree with an iPhone?

[Willo of Whiteley]

1 hour ago, hypochondriac said:

We never get any interesting itk rumours to discuss anymore. The club are much too professional.

I’d rather we were professional than every bit of gossip was plastered over all news outlets.

[SuperSAINT]

On 18/07/2026 at 18:23, Gloucester Saint said:

@SuperSAINT compared MLG to a Honey Badger when he got arguing.

⬆️ MLG, whenever anyone posts anything remotely arguable. 

[badgerx16]

4 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

How would they afford him? 

As if Leicester are bothered about financial integrity.

[hypochondriac]

12 minutes ago, badgerx16 said:

As if Leicester are bothered about financial integrity.

They might not be but the authorities will be.

[HarvSFC]

Fatawu going to Ipswich for £20m. Doubt that means they can afford Archer, though. Similar to McCarthy, he isn't really a Martinball player. Archer needs time and space to thrive, not playing with his back to goal like the slow build up forces him to do. No doubt he'll score in League One, but once in this league he'll look poor again.

[hypochondriac]

If/when Charles goes I'd love to see if there's even a remote chance for Jordan James to come here. Bid ten million and you never know if some lower prem clubs don't fancy it.

[swedish dave]

Ross Stewart..? clearly some people will likely say " good riddance" but there are 

are some other issues that seem to have been ignored / overlooked.

Apparently ..amidst the holidays and other distractions  Saints failed to trigger the 

extension clause in his contract, and the fallout from Spygate may have been an 

factor that some players reacted to adversely, (and that maybe the case with RS).

Don't think that TE was looking to get rid of him, but it maybe an opportunity for

RS (as a free transfer) to look outside the club and dip his toe in the waters elsewhere.

 

Despite having been under treatment for the better part of two years, at last we saw

what he was capable of, and the tactic of him and Larin subbing one another seemed

to be a good move, and didn't over -stress either of them physically.

If he hasn't been overloaded with offers from elsewhere..why would he want to

sell his house and move his family elsewhere for the fun of it.?

 

My take on this.. is that providing there are no personal issues between him and

TE why shouldn't he stay on and be a major part of the squad once again?

Some may agree with me, but the fallout from some others is clearly ominious.

  

[Saint Neil]

10 hours ago, SuperSAINT said:

⬆️ MLG, whenever anyone posts anything remotely arguable. 

[saintant]

7 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

If/when Charles goes I'd love to see if there's even a remote chance for Jordan James to come here. Bid ten million and you never know if some lower prem clubs don't fancy it.

Good shout. Think he'd be a great signing for us.

[saintant]

1 hour ago, swedish dave said:

Ross Stewart..? clearly some people will likely say " good riddance" but there are 

are some other issues that seem to have been ignored / overlooked.

Apparently ..amidst the holidays and other distractions  Saints failed to trigger the 

extension clause in his contract, and the fallout from Spygate may have been an 

factor that some players reacted to adversely, (and that maybe the case with RS).

Don't think that TE was looking to get rid of him, but it maybe an opportunity for

RS (as a free transfer) to look outside the club and dip his toe in the waters elsewhere.

 

Despite having been under treatment for the better part of two years, at last we saw

what he was capable of, and the tactic of him and Larin subbing one another seemed

to be a good move, and didn't over -stress either of them physically.

If he hasn't been overloaded with offers from elsewhere..why would he want to

sell his house and move his family elsewhere for the fun of it.?

 

My take on this.. is that providing there are no personal issues between him and

TE why shouldn't he stay on and be a major part of the squad once again?

Some may agree with me, but the fallout from some others is clearly ominious.

  

Sorry but I don't get this. The factors you mention have not been ignored on here - in fact they've been widely discussed.

[ally_uk]

Here we go boys regarding a new Striker pick from below! 

Hopefully Spors will read this 🤣 we got to be looking at a few on here surely ? 

 

Rilind Nivokazi -  13 goals, 5 assists. 6 foot 2 ( Switz league )

Mateusz Żukowski - 17 goals  FC Magdeburg 6 foot 1 inch.

Yousef Salech - Cardiff. 14 goals, 4 assists,  6 foot 4.

( I've mentioned him loads would be my number 1 target! )

Daniel Karlsbakk - 23 years old, scored 18 goals, 6.4 height. 

An attractive long-term number nine. He is 6ft 4in, only 23 and scored 18 league goals in 2025. He attacks the box well, can run behind defenders and has more movement than a traditional tall target striker. He could initially compete with Larin before becoming the first choice.

 

Samuel Adeniran

At 6ft 4in, Adeniran supplies genuine power, box presence and channel running. Ten goals and four assists in Austria show that he can contribute as both scorer and facilitator. He would be a useful direct alternative when Southampton cannot play through pressure.

 

Ibrahim Diabaté

A powerful, hard-running striker who scored 18 goals to win the 2025 Allsvenskan Golden Boot. GAIS describe him as physical, hard-working and capable of running in every direction—attributes that fit Eckert’s pressing and transition football. 

 

Philipp Hofmann

The best pure target and link striker on the list. At 6ft 5in, he can receive direct passes, win aerial duels and bring Southampton’s attacking midfielders into play. His 12 goals and six assists show the creative value of his hold-up play.

My recommendation would be:

Nivokazi – best combination of affordability, physicality and immediate suitability.

Żukowski – highest ceiling and the most exciting stylistic alternative to Larin.

Karlsbakk – best long-term development signing.

Salech – most Championship-ready, but probably the worst-value negotiation.

Adeniran – sensible physical alternative at a manageable price.

Diabaté – affordable upside gamble.

Grodowski – useful, inexpensive squad depth.

Hofmann – short-term option only.

If Stewart re-signs, I would concentrate on Żukowski, Karlsbakk or Nivokazi, because Southampton would need youth and a future first-choice striker—not another veteran target man.

 

 

[goodymatt]

 

[hypochondriac]

17 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

 

Good. As suspected this is the one we really want and the Spanish bloke is a backup or a smokescreen.

[SuperSAINT]

16 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

 

I’m sure I saw something (maybe it was Alfie House?) saying that we’d keep monitoring the situation and maybe go in again later.  Obliviously depending on Ross Stewart and whatever he decides.

[sockeye]

31 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

 

Would love this. Let's hope he isn't the next Spertsyan/O'Riley/Gakpo/etc

[BotleySaint]

I assume he is tall and thin. Or is it just a name?

If he turns out to be naff and puts the ball over the bar we can call him Will Shanksclear.

Anyway, 11 goals for Oxford. Seems a good option.

[hypochondriac]

4 minutes ago, BotleySaint said:

I assume he is tall and thin. Or is it just a name?

If he turns out to be naff and puts the ball over the bar we can call him Will Shanksclear.

Anyway, 11 goals for Oxford. Seems a good option.

Will Wankshear surely?

[Verbal]

1 hour ago, SuperSAINT said:

I’m sure I saw something (maybe it was Alfie House?) saying that we’d keep monitoring the situation and maybe go in again later.  Obliviously depending on Ross Stewart and whatever he decides.

Obliviously

[Gloucester Saint]

50 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Will Wankshear surely?

Would be a popular signing with @Master Bates

[OldNick]

22 hours ago, Wade Garrett said:

Paying him a weekly wage is the ultimate definition of madness.  

Lets just give him a chance. He's young and confidence is shot

[Turkish]

6 hours ago, swedish dave said:

Ross Stewart..? clearly some people will likely say " good riddance" but there are 

are some other issues that seem to have been ignored / overlooked.

Apparently ..amidst the holidays and other distractions  Saints failed to trigger the 

extension clause in his contract, and the fallout from Spygate may have been an 

factor that some players reacted to adversely, (and that maybe the case with RS).

Don't think that TE was looking to get rid of him, but it maybe an opportunity for

RS (as a free transfer) to look outside the club and dip his toe in the waters elsewhere.

 

Despite having been under treatment for the better part of two years, at last we saw

what he was capable of, and the tactic of him and Larin subbing one another seemed

to be a good move, and didn't over -stress either of them physically.

If he hasn't been overloaded with offers from elsewhere..why would he want to

sell his house and move his family elsewhere for the fun of it.?

 

My take on this.. is that providing there are no personal issues between him and

TE why shouldn't he stay on and be a major part of the squad once again?

Some may agree with me, but the fallout from some others is clearly ominious.

  

it wasnt the holidays. We had a week after the last game of the season to trigger his contact extension. Because we thought we were playing in the play off final we hadnt extended it, when we got kicked out of the play offs his legal team used the technicality that the last game of the season was the play off semi final and we were outside of the extension period. Shithouse behaviour in view of the circumstances, seem Tonda say hes still in touch with Stewart and he might come back, assume this means if he doesn't get a better offer.

[Gloucester Saint]

3 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Will Wankshear surely?

We could copy the Lancashire cricket fans every time he scored.

’Oh Wanky Wanky

Wanky Wanky Wanky Wanky Wanky

Wankshear!’

[Wurzel]

4 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

Will Wankshear surely?

We used to have a customer called Mr Wankmore. Possibly the only customer that every member of staff would - loudly - greet by name.

[Rebel]

Is it just me that thinks that even if Ross Stewart signs back-on with Saints we need another centre forward? 

With the age and injury records of Stewart and Larin I almost think of them as one player - I am not sure either can play a full 90 mins week in week out - even more so when its Tuesday - Saturday - Tuesday - Saturday.

We need a young player like Will Lankshear in addition to Larin and Stewart to give us the strength and depth upfront to last season out.  

 

[StrangelyBrown]

1 hour ago, OldNick said:

Lets just give him a chance. He's young and confidence is shot

Happy to give him a chance, but before his confidence was shot you could see from watching him warm up that his touch was nothing like a decent footballer - I just don't think he'll ever have what it takes, but I'll be pleased if double D makes me look like a tit.

[VectisSaint]

2 hours ago, Turkish said:

it wasnt the holidays. We had a week after the last game of the season to trigger his contact extension. Because we thought we were playing in the play off final we hadnt extended it, when we got kicked out of the play offs his legal team used the technicality that the last game of the season was the play off semi final and we were outside of the extension period. Shithouse behaviour in view of the circumstances, seem Tonda say hes still in touch with Stewart and he might come back, assume this means if he doesn't get a better offer.

He didn't use his legal team to get out of anything. The option had expired, and Saints actually told him (apparently) that they had messed up. As any good agent would have done he advised Stewart he had no legal contract. Then Stewart was off to the WC. Clear that Saints were playing a game with Stewart of wait and see (what League we would be in) which would piss anyone off. Clear that TE is still hopeful that he might be back, and given Stewart would still be on holiday after the WC I don't think we should assume yet that he won't be back.

[saintant]

19 minutes ago, VectisSaint said:

He didn't use his legal team to get out of anything. The option had expired, and Saints actually told him (apparently) that they had messed up. As any good agent would have done he advised Stewart he had no legal contract. Then Stewart was off to the WC. Clear that Saints were playing a game with Stewart of wait and see (what League we would be in) which would piss anyone off. Clear that TE is still hopeful that he might be back, and given Stewart would still be on holiday after the WC I don't think we should assume yet that he won't be back.

Stewart had a lengthy, all expenses paid, 'vacation' in USA which ended about 5 weeks ago so surely he's not still on holiday.

[Roo1976]

9 hours ago, Saint Neil said:

Marwell zoo have confirmed that they are looking into the whereabouts of a missing honey-badger................

[Saint86]

23 hours ago, hypochondriac said:

How would they afford him? 

I would be very concerned over whether they ultimately go bust and we wind up getting pennies on the pound.

[Saint86]

21 hours ago, Saint NL said:

Did you miss the bit with the guy hiding behind a tree with an iPhone?

The head of the analyst team left the club pretty promptly following that debacle.

[hypochondriac]

2 minutes ago, Saint86 said:

I would be very concerned over whether they ultimately go bust and we wind up getting pennies on the pound.

Don't football debts have to be prioritised if they go into admin?

[Saint86]

5 minutes ago, hypochondriac said:

Don't football debts have to be prioritised if they go into admin?

Yes, but there is no guarantee that if Leicester go pop (which is not that unlikely), anyone will cover their substantial debts (£100M) and counting.

At this point, I will be surprised if they don't go into admin - they have taken out advance payments on next season's parachute money and future transfer installments. All they have coming in, is effectively the league 1 tv/prize money payments, merchandising and commercial deals, and gate receipts. Against that they have their outstanding transfer fees that they owe, legacy high wage players with no league 1 relegation clauses, a rumoured £15M per year maintenance fee for their ridiculous training ground, and feck knows what other skeletons in their closet.

Selling to them is a risk. 

Edited 5 hours ago by Saint86

[bugenhagen]

2 hours ago, Rebel said:

Is it just me that thinks that even if Ross Stewart signs back-on with Saints we need another centre forward? 

With the age and injury records of Stewart and Larin I almost think of them as one player - I am not sure either can play a full 90 mins week in week out - even more so when its Tuesday - Saturday - Tuesday - Saturday.

We need a young player like Will Lankshear in addition to Larin and Stewart to give us the strength and depth upfront to last season out.  

 

I agree with your thinking that this would be ideal, but not sure how easy it is to sell this to the third striker joining.

Larin has probably been told that he would be playing a part with another striker like he did with Stewart last season. If we sign Stewart to play the same role as last year, there is no chance that Lankshear will come to play backup to those two... then it would have to be a player who would fancy himself as also getting gametime as a number 10 or on the wings.

I think the best solution is to forget about Stewart. Yes, he would be the best option if he could play the whole season swapping with Larin - but if one of them get injured we have a problem as none of them can play 90 min too often... Lankshear or the the spanish fellow might.

We also have to consider the case of Oyekunle... he might be the one we have to rely on to step in if either Larin or Stewart/another is missing.

So I think I am saying that it would be Larin and a new signing alternating, with Oyekunle as the backup.

Edited 4 hours ago by bugenhagen
comma

[Wade Garrett]

11 hours ago, swedish dave said:

Ross Stewart..? clearly some people will likely say " good riddance" but there are 

are some other issues that seem to have been ignored / overlooked.

Apparently ..amidst the holidays and other distractions  Saints failed to trigger the 

extension clause in his contract, and the fallout from Spygate may have been an 

factor that some players reacted to adversely, (and that maybe the case with RS).

Don't think that TE was looking to get rid of him, but it maybe an opportunity for

RS (as a free transfer) to look outside the club and dip his toe in the waters elsewhere.

 

Despite having been under treatment for the better part of two years, at last we saw

what he was capable of, and the tactic of him and Larin subbing one another seemed

to be a good move, and didn't over -stress either of them physically.

If he hasn't been overloaded with offers from elsewhere..why would he want to

sell his house and move his family elsewhere for the fun of it.?

 

My take on this.. is that providing there are no personal issues between him and

TE why shouldn't he stay on and be a major part of the squad once again?

Some may agree with me, but the fallout from some others is clearly ominious.

  

Not true, they had time to trigger the clause until they were kicked out of the play-offs and him and his lawyers played the game.

Don’t want him back at the club.  Wanker.

[HarvSFC]

3 hours ago, Rebel said:

Is it just me that thinks that even if Ross Stewart signs back-on with Saints we need another centre forward? 

With the age and injury records of Stewart and Larin I almost think of them as one player - I am not sure either can play a full 90 mins week in week out - even more so when its Tuesday - Saturday - Tuesday - Saturday.

We need a young player like Will Lankshear in addition to Larin and Stewart to give us the strength and depth upfront to last season out.  

 

I'm not sure whether I've just fully convinced myself that we're better off without Stewart now after the goings on this summer. But we know, Stewart is liable to picking up injuries in warm ups and training, doesn't even have to be on the pitch. So we'd always be one warm up injury from having to rely on Larin staying fit for three months (Which was usually the duration of Stewart's injuries.) Doesn't feel like the best for me.

We all know Stewart is a top Championship striker when he's available. He just wasn't available enough. 9 League goals over three years and 8 of those came last season is replaceable. As long as we don't look in the Damion Downs markets.

[Wade Garrett]

5 hours ago, OldNick said:

Lets just give him a chance. He's young and confidence is shot

He’s young and shite.

One day he’ll be old and shite.

[goodymatt]