Southampton squad assessed: Who should stay for new era under Martin?

It ended with relegation, a long time coming but finally confirmed earlier this month with a meek 2-0 defeat to Fulham.

The disastrous campaign saw the club cycle through three different managers, make 14 new first-team signings, and win a grand total of six games.

READ MORE: How all 16 Saints loanees performed this season and their possible next steps

The third of those managers - Ruben Selles - will be departing when the season officially comes to a close and it is expected that Swansea boss Russell Martin will be his replacement.

Ahead of a huge summer for the club, there are plenty more qustions than answers. One of the biggest of those questions is what the Saints squad will look like when the new season begins.

Relegation means that the vultures of the Premier League will be eyeing Saints best players while a massively bloated squad will lead to numerous enforced departures.

Russell Martin is expected to be appointed as Saints' new manager imminently. (Image: PA)

So who will stay and who will go? We've run through the full squad in an attempt to answer that...

Gavin Bazunu

There’s no doubt Gavin Bazunu was not ready for the Premier League this season. Hardly a shock at just 20 years old and with an admittedly disastrous defence in front of him, Bazunu started the first 32 games of Saints’ season before finally being dropped last month for his side’s clash with Bournemouth.

Signed in part for now and in part for the future, a year in the Championship is likely the best thing for Bazunu’s development.

He’s already proven more than capable in League One and not yet the mistake-light necessity for the top flight. Bazunu should be a crucial player in the Championship and will fit in perfectly with Russell Martin’s possession-heavy, ball-dominant approach.

Verdict: Stay

Alex McCarthy

When Saints opted to give McCarthy a new contract ahead of the 2021/22 season, they did so with the long term plan to have the experienced shot-stopper challenge for the number one shirt with a younger goalkeeper.

But when that season ended, McCarthy’s job had been stolen by Fraser Forster who played a huge role in keeping Saints in the Premier League.

Still though, it was McCarthy who stuck around with Forster departing. Bazunu was chosen to start the season in goal and McCarthy deputsided until taking over for the final month.

Even in only five games, we’ve seen that McCarthy is not up to the required standard and with relatively high wages, there’s no need for Saints to keep him.

Verdict: Go

Willy Caballero

Now 41 years old, Caballero made just one appearance this season, in the FA Cup against Blackpool.

Clearly not under real consideration for meaningful minutes, Caballero acts as a part player part coach and Saints could do a lot worse than keeping him around for another season or even try to transition him into a full-time coaching role at the club.

Verdict: Stay

Kyle Walker-Peters

Far from his consistent best this season, Walker-Peters was still one of Saints’ better performers (although that in itself isn’t saying much). Starting 30 Premier League matches, Walker-Peters was almost always one of the first names on the Saints team-sheet.

Capable of playing either flank, influential on the ball, and still only 26 years old, Walker-Peters will have suitors this summer and seems likely to depart. 

Verdict: Go

Mohammed Salisu

Last winter following a dominant display against Manchester City, Salisu seemed destined for greatness and Saints seemed destined for a hefty transfer fee. But after a disappointing personal season, options won’t be quite as abundant for the centre-back this summer.

But being left-footed and under the age of 25 should work in his favour for a move. After appearing just once under Ruben Selles before seeing his season end through mysterious injuries - amid reports about concerns around his attitude - Saints shouldn’t stand in his way of leaving.

Verdict: Go

Jan Bednarek

We wouldn’t have expected to write this a year ago and we certainly wouldn’t have expected to write this nine months ago when Bednarek departed Saints acrimoniously for Aston Villa on loan. But Saints should do everything they can to keep the Polish international at the club.

Recalled by Nathan Jones, Bednarek immediately became a leader in this beleaguered Saints defence. He went on to start 17 consecutive matches, playing every single minute outside of two forced withdrawals due to injury.

Often one of the only points of promise in a series of meek team displays, it would be a real coup to keep Bednarek in the Championship. Potential captain material upon James Ward-Prowse’s departure?

Verdict: Stay

Armel Bella-Kotchap

Signed last summer from VFL Bochum, Bella-Kotchap largely impressed when he was actually on the pitch. Unfortunately, shoulder, knee, and hamstring injuries limited that to just 24 starts.

Now a German international after seeing his stock rise during  a promising maiden campaign in the Premier League, Bella-Kotchap is said to have suitors in Germany and England.

Not yet the finished article, Saints should be prepared to cash in on the 21 year old as long as their valuation is met. After signing a four year contract last summer, Saints hold the power in this situation.

Verdict: Go

Lyanco

While he could never be considered a consistent or polished member of this squad, Lyanco plays an important role. As well as being a character that fans connect with and someone who truly seems to love being a Southampton player, Lyanco is at the very least a decent back-up.

His errors shouldn’t be as glaring a division below and while he could struggle defending the large areas of space Saints could encounter as they dominate the ball in the Championship, Lyanco is one to keep as the club builds a squad capable of tackling the new 46-game season.

Verdict: Stay

Duje Caleta-Car

A tough one to judge, Caleta-Car looked decent at times - Everton away standing out - and dreadful at others - Grimsby for example. Largely a back-up under both Jones and Selles, Caleta-Car’s move has ended up being a disappointment.

That said, he has flashed his potential and has racked up 23 caps for Croatia at the age of 26. If he wants to stay, then Saints should look to keep him. But if he wants to leave, Saints should certainly not put up much of a fight. It’s close, but we’re leaning toward the exit door.

Verdict: Go

Romain Perraud

For the second season in a row, Perraud’s campaign was curtailed by injury - this time an ankle problem. Largely mediocre for much of this term, Perraud has struggled defensively but often excelled going forward. 

Those deficiencies should be far less impactful in the Championship and with Saints likely to be one of the better side’s in the division - and likely to see a lot of the ball with Martin in charge - Perraud’s attacking impetus could be crucial.

Verdict: Stay

Tino Livramento

It’s sadly been a lost season for Livramento as the serious ACL injury suffered at Brighton last April cost him any real chance of impacting the current campaign.

Finally returning at the weekend against the same side he suffered that injury against, Livramento looked sharp and quick in his brief cameo. But Saints fans will need to be patient as the 20 year old works his way back to full fitness - both physically and mentally.

Both for Livramento himself and the club, the full-back needs to be at St Mary’s for the new season. He should see tons of the ball under Martin and that will almost certainly be a major positive for Saints and Livramento’s style of play. He has the potential to be one of the Championship’s best players and that is no exaggeration.

Verdict: Stay

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Something of a desperation loan last summer with Saints needing cover both in central midifled and at full-back, Maitland-Niles’ versailtitiy provided that.

But it’s also fair to question whether or not the Arsenal academy graduate is actually good enough at either of those positions. And does he have the hunger for a slog of a Championship season?

We can’t answer that, but either way there are far too many questions marks around Maitland-Niles, even on a free transfer.

Verdict: Go

James Bree

Signed to work under his former boss Jones, Bree was hardly given a chance under Selles, with Sunday’s defeat to Brighton his first start since the Spaniard took charge. Bree wouldn’t have been signed with the intention of being back in the Championship but it now looks like a shrewd piece of business with Saints headed down.

Proven to be one of the better full-backs in the second division over the past half-decade, there are enough similarities between Jones’s style of play at Luton and how Saints could operate under Martin to think that Bree could thrive. 

He should stick around for at least one more season before assessing his future.

Verdict: Stay

Juan Larios

Part of the flurry of youngsters to join Saints from Manchester City last summer, Larios had started to show flashes of talent before a serious hamstring injury that he hasn’t been able to return from. 

Diminutive in size and defensively questionable, a season in the Championshop should be perfect for his physical and tactical development. Saints appear well stocked in the full-back department.

Verdict: Stay

James Ward-Prowse

A tough one. Perhaps the toughest on this list, Ward-Prowse’s future will be determined by the player himself. While there may not be offers from the very top of the Premier League, there will undoubtedly be numerous interested parties. 

After more than a decade of Saints service, the skipper will likely be allowed to walk without fuss as long as a decent fee is offered. Sadly, this does appear to be the end of Ward-Prowse in a Saints shirt.

Verdict: Go

Romeo Lavia

A tremendous revelation this season, Lavia will have plenty of interest this summer with much of the ‘big six’ already linked with the midfielder. His destination - should he go as is widely expected - will be up to him and up to who offers Saints the best deal.

Man City’s buy-back clause - thought to be around £40m - kicks in next summer and Saints shouldn’t accept a penny less than that. Best case scenario would see Lavia stick around for one more season and refine his attacking qualities in the Championship but it will be hard to turn down the big money bids set to arrive.

Verdict: Go

Charly Alcaraz

Saints’ best signing of he January transfer window, Alcaraz is raw and makes plenty of mistakes but he also has a touch of magic about him. A more than capable scorer, Alcaraz should absolutely tear up the Championship.

He has the talent to do so and Saints are in the position to build a team capable of getting the most out of him.

Alcaraz should stay and become a major building block of this team hoping to go straight back up.

Verdict: Stay

Ibrahima Diallo

At no point in Diallo’s three year stay at St Mary’s has he actually proven himself to be good enough and with only one year left on his deal, it’s time to move on.

The squad is far too big and Diallo should be one of the more obvious casualties of this summer’s rebuild.

Verdict: Go

Joe Aribo

It appeared a real coup when Saints signed Aribo last summer from Rangers for a fee of only £6m. But after a promising start to life on the South Coast under Ralph Hasenhuttl, Aribo completely disappeared following the Austrian’s sacking.

It’s fair to wonder if the Nigerian international had the right mentality for a relegation battle, something of a luxury player for a team who could not afford any luxuries.

Capable of game-breaking moments, it would be wise for Saints to give Aribo one more season - as long as he wants to stay - and see if his ability on the ball can translate to the Championship under Martin where they are likely to have a lot of it.

One of the major weaknesses of Martin’s managerial career so far has been in breaking down stubborn defences when his side is in total control of the ball. Saints will face plenty of defensinvely-minded stubborn sides next season and Aribo could be key in helping unlock those.

Verdict: Stay

Moi Elyounossi

A managers’ favourote but certainly not a fans’ favourite, Elyounoussi has started 26 games this season despite only scoring his first goal against Brighton at the weekend.

Dependable and energetic, Elyounoussi is better than a lot of fans give him credit for. But that said, it’s time to move on. The Norwegian international’s contract expires this summer and Saints must be ruthless.

Verdict: Go

Moussa Djenepo

One of many bizarre cases this season, Djenepo surprisingly started the season as a regular under Hasenhuttl before signing a new three-year contract in September.

Virtually from that point, Djenepo disappeared. But that new contract means he's likely to stay next season unless a reasonable bid comes in. Inconsistent to the extreme, Djenepo has the chance to be a difference-maker at the level below should he indeed remain a Saints player.

Verdict: Stay

Stuart Armstrong

Still a decent contributor on his day, those days have become much fewer this season. Injuries have taken a toll on the Scotsman while he isn’t a natural fit for every system. Armstrong's contract expires at the end of next season and while perhaps harsh, there’s no reason to give him a new deal.

Saints need a total refresh and Armstrong should be allowed to walk away to help accommodate that.

Verdict: Go

Samuel Edozie

A victim of the manager merry-go-round at Saints this season, Edozie took some time to settle before becoming a crucial player under Jones. Unfortunately, Selles’s arrival saw Edozie’s opportunities dry up.

Now away with England’s under-20s, Edozie is another member of this youthful Saints squad who would probably benefit from a year in the Championship. Thrilling to watch - despite lacking tangible end product - Edozie has the tools to be an important player next season.

Verdict Stay

Kamaldeen Sulemana

No doubt an extremely talented player, Kamaldeen is just one of a number of strange signings this season. Brought in for a club-record fee in January, Kamaldeen could hardly be expected to make an instant impact considering he hadn’t even been a regular starter for Rennes and had scored one goal all season in Ligue 1.

Surely one for the future - as well as the now - Kamaldeen displayed his prodigious talent on numerous occasions but zero goals and one assist is a reflection of his rawness and room to grow.

It makes no sense to sign a player like Kamaldeen only to let him go six months later. Of course, if Saints are offered a similar fee to what they paid, you could see the argument for cashing in.

For now though, we’re sticking with Kamaldeen.

Verdict: Stay

Mislav Orsic

Signed from Dinamo Zagreb in January, to say Orsic’s move hasn’t worked out would be a gross understatement. The Croatian has played a grand total of six Premier League minutes.

It would be a major surprise to see Orsic stay. It’s best for everyone to figure out a move away from the club even if that means having to eat some of the transfer fee paid out in the winter. Just a disaster.

Verdict: Go

Theo Walcott

A virtual spectator for the first two-third of the season, Walcott came back to life under Selles and has been reasonably impressive all things considered. The delicate chipped finish against Brighton would have been his third goal of the campaign and he offered a threat in behind that Saints were all-too-often missing.

That said, Walcott isn’t the player he once was. Some of this decision will no doubt be up to the player himself and if he’s willing to stay on reduced wages, it could be smart for Saints to keep him and his experience around for one more season. Still, that feels unlikely.

Verdict: Go

Adam Armstrong

On the balance of Armstrong’s Saints career, he should be out of chances. Signed for £15m from Blackburn, it’s been a disastrous addition for a goal-shy team in desperate need of a striker who scores regularly.

Three goals in 52 Premier League appearances is far from regular and in truth, the forward has looked worse and worse as time has gone by. This season he has in fairness largely operated from the left flank but at the top level, he offers little to no threat.

However, he could be handed a Saints lifeline with the club’s relegation. Scorer of 28 Championship goals for Blackburn in the 2021/22 season, Armstrong has proven to be an elite second-division striker in the past and if Saints believe he can do it again, then they should stick with the 26 year old.

Ultimately, this will likely be new manager Martin’s call. But with Armstrong’s preference to play on the counter - with space in front of him - and Martin’s desire for control and patient build-up, they don’t seen a natural fit on the face of it.

Verdict: Go

Paul Onauchu

Another on the long list of disastrous signings made by Sport Republic over the past two windows, Onuachu has failed to find the net thus far in his Saints career.

Admittedly, that’s only included four starts and it is difficult to judge someone on such a minute sample size. But Onuachu hasn’t looked nearly up to the required standard. That could change in the Championship but it seems a stretch to believe the towering forward has the energy to lead the kind of pressing system Martin will demand.

This one might come down to the players’ decision and it would be no surprise to see Onuachu try to find a move elsewhere.

Verdict: Go

Che Adams

While he only notched five Premier League goals this season - and missed glorious opportunities for many more - Adams proved his worth as a battering ram and focal point for this team.

Saints were a better side with Adams in it and whether that’s due to the failings of his fellow strikers or his own form, it feels like an indisputable fact. On top of his excellent hold-up play and constant fight, Adams has also - like Armstrong - proven to be a reliable scorer in the Championship, grabbing 22 goals with Birmingham in the 2018/19 season.

Likely to have Premier League interest, Saints should aim to keep Adams. For a team lacking in leaders and characters to rely upon, Adams can be huge.

Verdict: Stay

Sekou Mara

Brought in from Bordeaux last summer as a long-term project, Mara has somewhat predictably made little impact this season. Still only 20 years old, Mara has started four times in the league, scoring once.

Yet, there really does appear to be something exciting about him and his flashes of potential should lead to more chances. A season in the Championship is probably just what the young striker needs and he should stick around - even if that’s only to make an impact from the bench.

Verdict: Stay

Should all the above end up as reality, the remaining members of the Saints squad would be:

Gavin Bazunu, Willy Caballero, Jan Bednarek, Lyanco, Tino Livramento, Romain Perraud, James Bree, Juan Larios, Charly Alcaraz, Joe Aribo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Samuel Edozie, Moussa Djenepo, Che Adams, Sekou Mara.

Agree with our choices? Who would you like to see stay? Anyone else you’d try to offload this summer?