NOW Saints are confirmed as relegated to the Championship, we can look ahead to how the club’s squad might look next season.
It is likely there will be an exodus of senior players and young talents which will bolster the club’s coffers and ensure financial stability.
But it will leave the squad and starting XI looking rather different for the new manager than it did over the course of the Premier League campaign.
The Championship is not an easy division to escape from and players who are not good enough for the top flight are not automatically good enough for the second division.
READ MORE: Southampton's Armstrong admits hope to stay at club in Championship
But elements of the current Saints squad could benefit on an individual basis while helping propel the club back. Here is how an ideal XI could look…
Goalkeeper
Gavin Bazunu endured a difficult debut season in the Premier League and was statistically one of the worst goalkeepers in Europe.
He was eventually dropped for Alex McCarthy but is only 21 years old, comes across as remarkably resilient and has already excelled in League One, so this should be a more natural step up.
Defenders
James Bree and Tino Livramento solve the right-hand side without any further consideration while Jan Bednarek would be a top, experienced defender for the second division.
One or both of Duje Caleta-Car and Lyanco could stay but a marquee centre-back signing could help reinvigorate the defence, while Romain Perraud seemed likely for a summer move before his injury. That could change things. Juan Larios provides competition.
Midfielders
A solid, reliable and robust defensive midfield signing is essential for me to allow the two more creative midfielders license to do what they do best.
Will Smallbone has had a good season in the Championship and deserves a chance to play box-to-box, while Charly Alcaraz will be a phenomenal, aggressive goal threat.
Attackers
Nathan Tella’s future is up in the air but it is going to take Burnley or another Premier League club paying over the odds to get him. He is contracted to 2025 so keeping him would be a dream, but a new signing or current squad member could play this role.
With potentially Kamaldeen Sulemana on the other wing, Che Adams hinted at a possible stay and could finish a lethal attack. Sekou Mara and Samuel Edozie will push for more minutes, too.
Would you be confident with this XI in the Championship next season?
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