Southampton will be fully focused on maintaining their charge for promotion to the Premier League, but one eye must remain on their plans for the summer transfer window.
Southampton, regardless of the division they will be in next season, will no doubt see something of a clearing of the decks at St Mary’s. Some of those heading away from the club may well have played their last game for the Hampshire side.
With that in mind, we look at three players who may not feature for the Saints again…
Romain Perraud
Former France youth international Perraud signed for Southampton from Stade Brestois in July 2021. His time with the Saints has seen him make 60 appearances in total, scoring three goals and registering 8 assists for the club.
Southampton’s drop to the Championship meant an exodus of players from the club. Perraud was one of those leaving, heading back to France and former club OGC Nice, who have an option to buy. His deal with the Saints runs out in 2025 and if they remain a Championship club then you can see him moving on in the summer.
Carlos Alcaraz
Argentinian Alcaraz headed to Serie A side Juventus on loan in January. His time with the Italians has seen him make two appearances so far.
Before that he featured in the first half of Saints’ 2023/24 Championship campaign, making 23 appearances, scoring three goals and registering one assist. Despite a contract with the Saints ending in 2028, he may well never play for the club again. Juventus have a purchase option but there’s no notice of whether they’ll activate that at present.
Armel Bella -Kotchap
France-born German centre-back Bella-Kotchap is currently on loan at Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven. The two-cap Germany international has three appearances for PSV in the league since moving there in September last year. He also appeared in two Champions League appearances for the Dutch side, with his minutes limited by injury.
Should Southampton remain in the Championship, a move elsewhere would look likely. Even if they regain Premier League status, the German may feel his future lies away from the Hampshire club.
