SANCTIONING the sales of vital and marginal players was crucial to Southampton’s survival this season.
Following their relegation from the Premier League, the Saints transferred more than £100 million in players in order to comply with financial fair play regulations.
James Ward-Prowse, Tino Livramento, and Romeo Lavia all had notable returns to England’s top flight.
However, the club was relieved to see several leave, with clubs from Qatar, Turkey, and Belgium among the recipients.
Here are the players we believe the Saints would try to trade for a fee or would be willing to negotiate with during the forthcoming summer window…
Charly Alcaraz – £25m to £40m
The Argentine was one of the Premier League’s few bright spots last season, but it never clicked under Russell Martin.
The Saints’ decision to include an admittedly implausible permanent transfer clause in his Juventus loan sets out their intentions for the 21-year-old.
According to reports in Italy, Juve will not exercise the £43 million purchase option, and Alcaraz is now out due to injury.
However, that option provides other top clubs a benchmark for what the Saints might seek, and the club will accept a sum in that range.
Armel Bella-Kotchap – £17.5m to £27.5m
Bella-Kotchap, a German defender, has struggled on loan at PSV after his deadline-day transfer to Bayern Munich fell through.
The 22-year-old international has been sidelined since November due to shoulder surgery and is only now returning to the pitch.
His stock has almost probably dropped in the last year, but he remains a great player who will likely draw bids.
Martin wanted to keep him this season, but he didn’t want to play in the Championship, and it could be the same situation again.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – £12.5m to £22.5m
After a promising last-day double against Liverpool in May of last year, Kamaldeen has yet to score this season.
The 22-year-old is Southampton’s club record signing while also serving as the Championship’s third-choice left winger.
Kamaldeen was linked with a move away last summer, but an injury in pre-season likely ended any hopes of that.
Saints may have to absorb a loss on the £22 million they paid, but it is unlikely that either party would turn down a substantial summer offer.
Paul Onuachu – £7.5m to £12.5m
Onuachu’s Saints career lasted less than six months, and he is very certain to leave permanently this summer.
Trabzonspor has given Saints a loan fee for his services and may pursue a move at the end of the season.
According to reports, they do not want to spend more than £10 million for the prolific Nigerian forward, who cost £15 million from Genk.
If the Saints can receive close to that number back, it will be a great bonus and might help balance the books if there is no promotion.
Romain Perraud – £5m to £8.5m
Martin ruled out Perraud’s comeback in January, despite having just one fit left-back, Ryan Manning.
It implies that the employer does not want or need Perraud, making his return in the summer appear doubtful.
Perraud, 26, will have one year remaining on his Saints deal in the summer, which may lower the value Saints may acquire for him.
They will want to recoup as much of their initial investment as possible, and Nice is said to have an option to buy for £8.5 million.
Duje Caleta-Car – £4m to £6m
Caleta-Car only appeared in 13 Premier League games last season, leading to speculation about the reason.
Lyon paid less than £1.5 million for the loan and have the option to buy him for around £3 million plus a £2 million bonus.
Caleta-Car seemed to make it clear he would not return to Saints in a thanks message after his move with the loan likely to be made permanent.
Lyon have won nine of their last 11 games with Caleta-Car, 27, starting, having won just one of the last 10 without him.
Mat Lis – £1m to £2.5m
Polish shot stopper Lis has never played for Saints but is a fan favourite at Sport Republic’s sister club Goztepe.
The 27-year-old performed admirably against the Saints in the preseason friendly, and indications believe he will remain in Turkey.
Lis signed a five-year contract on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, making a move to Goztepe a clear choice.
Negotiations will be simple, and the Saints will earn a quick profit, considering Joe Lumley has already agreed to remain backup next season.
Lyanco – £1m to £2.5m
Lyanco was ruled out between October and February through injury but is back and playing again for loan side Al-Gharafa.
A permanent transfer to Besiktas fell apart at the last minute last summer and Saints could not find another new home.
Perhaps the centre-back, now 27 years old, will return to Brazil – a future at Saints is extremely unlikely.
Albeit a popular character, his stock has only fallen since a £5million move to Saints from Torino in 2021 and it will go down as bad business.
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