Dream Southampton summer transfer window including goal machine and Portsmouth star
Southampton are preparing for a season back in the Championship, having been relegated from the Premier League after finishing 20th in a challenging 2024/25 campaign.
Manager Will Still, who was recently appointed, and their hierarchy will undoubtedly be focused on a significant overhaul of the squad, with a lot of players set to be coming and going.
This summer is anticipated to be extremely busy at St Mary’s as they look to build a team capable of securing a fast return to the top flight.
Reports suggest Southampton will be active in the transfer market, navigating both potential departures of high-earning Premier League players and strategic arrivals to support their Championship promotion push.
With this ambitious outlook, we’ve taken a look at what a dream summer transfer window would look like for the Saints as they prepare to compete in the Championship.
The Championship goal machine
With potential high-profile departures, Southampton will need a reliable striker and Joel Piroe is exactly that. He bagged a remarkable 19 goals in 46 Championship appearances for Leeds in the 2024/25 season, proving his clinical finishing and ability to thrive in the second tier. He’s a proven commodity at this level and would instantly elevate Southampton’s attacking threat.
The tenacious midfield engine
The Championship midfield requires immense work rate and that’s what Alex Mowatt could give Southampton. He had a strong 2024/25 season with West Brom, contributing 7 goals and 2 assists in 43 appearances. His all-action style and knack for chipping in with vital goals make him an ideal fit. His contract status might also make him a smart signing.
The promising modern full-back
Should Kyle Walker-Peters move on, a diligent replacement at full-back is essential. Kaine Kesler-Hayden has impressed during multiple loan spells in the Championship, including with Preston North End. He’s a young, athletic player who fits Southampton’s historical model of recruiting and developing talented young players, and Aston Villa may be open to a permanent transfer.
The attacking reinforcement
Josh Murphy showed his attacking talent with 7 goals and an impressive 14 assists in 42 Championship appearances (after Portsmouth’s promotion) in 2024/25. His ability to beat players and score from wide areas would make him a huge threat, and while it would be a controversial move, his proven Championship quality is undeniable.
Southampton players to be sold
Southampton’s relegation means a significant clear-out of their squad is likely, especially to offload high earners and generate funds for their Championship rebuild.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, a big-money signing last summer, is set to leave due to a reported £25 million relegation release clause and his need for Premier League football, freeing up a substantial £6.24 million annual salary.
Similarly, full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, a consistent player with his contract expiring in June 2025, is a prime candidate for a Premier League move, allowing them to cash in rather than lose him for free.
Midfielder Joe Aribo, on an annual salary of £3.64 million, could also be sold as they look to streamline their wage bill and potentially bring in players better suited to the Championship’s demands.
Finally, Kamaldeen Sulemana, the club’s record signing, might be offloaded to get back some of his £22 million transfer fee and reduce his £2.08 million annual salary, given his irregular performances and injury record.
These departures could be key for Southampton’s financial stability and for building a new squad for Will Still.
John Eustace knows what to expect from Carlton Morris at Derby County, they’ve crossed paths before
Derby County look to be closing in on their first three signings of the summer.
John Eustace has been busy over the last few weeks in the transfer market, and now his patience is finally set to pay off as the Rams finalise deals for free agents Andreas Weimann and Danny Batth, while Luton Town’s Carlton Morris is set for a medical, as per John Percy.
Derby want to renew Liam Thompson’s contract, and with things starting to progress quickly, there is a lot of optimism at Pride Park ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Fixture release day is on 26 June, and with a new striker about to come through the door in DE24, Eustace will be keen to have Morris on the right side of games in the future.
John Eustace has already faced Carlton Morris, he’ll be great for Derby County
Luton’s 1-0 win over Derby in April saw Morris fail to find the back of the net, however the striker could not be kept out when the Hatters were victors over Birmingham City back in February 2023.
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