SOUTHAMPTON became the first Premier League side to be relegated after a home loss against Fulham.
And less than 24 hours on from their demotion, speculation has begun about which of their star players may be on the way out.
The Saints spent big last summer as they looked to recruit some of the most exciting young stars from around Europe.
But. already. that crop, along with more established Southampton talent, are being linked away from the Championship-bound side.
SunSport has looked at which players could be set to leave St Mary’s this summer after a chaotic season on the south coast.
James Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse has become Mr Southampton over the last few years.
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He has made 124 more league appearances than any other player at the club since they were promoted in 2012, and scored the most goals with 48.
It would pain fans to see the midfielder go but some Premier League clubs will view the 28-year-old as too good for the Championship.
His tenacious midfield work, passing ability and infamous skill from dead ball situation would make him a welcome addition to plenty of top-flight teams.
Crystal Palace and Leeds have been linked to Ward-Prowse.
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Romeo Lavia
Romeo Lavia was a £10.5m signing last summer and was among the many bodies who arrived at the club in pre-season.
While some of those players have done themselves no favours, Lavia’s reputation has grown and he has proven to have a consistent impact in Southampton’s midfield.
The 19-year-old former Manchester City youth player has made 27 Premier League appearances this season, with his only goal being a belter against Chelsea in August.
The Blues, Manchester United and Arsenal could all be keeping an eye on the teenager this summer.
Carlos Alcaraz
With Ralph Hasenhuttl dismissed in November, and his replacement Nathan Jones failing to revive the Saints’ fortunes, the club turned desperately to the January window.
Carlos Alcaraz joined in a £12.3m deal from Argentine side Racing Club and has impressed in his 18 league appearances, where he has scored four goals.
One of those strikes came within the opening minute at the Emirates where he was Southampton’s star man in last month’s epic 3-3 draw.
Pundit Owen Hargreaves is a fan of the 20-year-old and told Premier League Productions: “You know what, he’s fabulous. He’ll probably go to a top-six side.
“The only one who had an impact from January was Alcaraz, he is fantastic.”
Armel Bella-Kotchap
Not too many football fans thought much of Southampton’s £8.6m signing of Armel Bella-Kotchap from VfL Bochum last summer.
But the 21-year-old has proven to be capable beyond his years and received regular praise earlier in the season for his mobile and alert defending.
The centre-back still has over three years left on his deal so Southampton will be under little pressure to sell.
But top-flight clubs may look to take advantage of the Saints’ relegation and tempt the impressive defender away.
Tino Livramento
It has been a frustrating year for Tino Livramento who has been out injured with a cruciate ligament rupture since April 2022.
It has halted his stunning progress with the Chelsea youth graduate regularly impressing after his surprise move to St Mary’s in 2021.
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When the 20-year-old is fully fit, he may view the Championship as a good training ground to recapture his best form.
But if he can recover from his setback this summer, crafty Prem clubs may remember that the speedy star has excelled in the top-flight and could be worth a gamble.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
