Every Southampton player's contract situation in international break

MANY of Southampton’s starting players are still tied up to long-term contracts after signing for the club under Sport Republic’s investment.

However, Russell Martin’s squad features some coming to the final months of their current deals with potential exits anticipated.

Saints have played 11 matches of the 2023-24 Championship season, following relegation from the Premier League.

With still over 75 per cent of the campaign to go, there is plenty of time to reveal fresh terms. Here is the current contract situation of Martin’s squad.

Stuart Armstrong – June 2024

Stuart Armstrong faced an uncertain summer after a disappointing campaign last time out but is re-energised under new manager Martin.

Martin, his former Scotland teammate, has emphasised to Armstrong exactly how big a role he can play for Saints as they look to get back to the Premier League.

Joe Lumley – June 2024

Signed as short-term goalkeeping cover after the departure of veteran Willy Caballero this summer, former QPR man Joe Lumley was merely a squad addition.

He may not feature for Saints this season at all but character and determination are often the most important attributes for a third-choice stopper.

Che Adams – June 2024

As first reported by the Daily Echo, Che Adams has been offered a new three-year deal at the club but has so far opted against extending his Saints terms.

Scotland international Adams was the subject of transfer interest during the summer window but has failed to score since trading concluded losing his place to Charly Alcaraz.

Alex McCarthy – June 2024

When Saints gave Alex McCarthy a new contract secretly in 2021, it effectively spelled the end of Fraser Forster’s spell at the club.

However, he has remained number two to Gavin Bazunu since the Irishman was signed and it would be a surprise if McCarthy’s deal was extended again.

Ryan Fraser – June 2024 (on loan)

Ryan Fraser arrived on the south coast with the aim of kick-starting his stagnant career after falling out of the first-team squad at Newcastle United.

Another former international teammate of the gaffer, Fraser has the chance to earn a permanent contract but Saints are not tied to the player.

Mason Holgate – June 2024 (on loan)

Defender Mason Holgate had also fallen out of favour at Everton but was backed by Martin as affordable cover with ball-playing skills.

His Saints career has not started exactly as he would have hoped after mistakes against Sunderland and Middlesbrough but is credited with strong character and self-belief.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis – June 2024 (on loan)

Saints are hoping to turn the loan of Taylor Harwood-Bellis into a permanent deal but will require promotion to the Premier League to enforce that.

The Manchester City youngster is the subject of a £20million clause but would return to City and find a new club if Saints remain in the Championship.

Flynn Downes – June 2024 (on loan)

Martin’s previous relationship with former Swansea City midfielder was integral to bringing Flynn Downes to St Mary’s for the 2023-24 season.

He adds bite and aggression to the group and, if Martin is still in charge next summer, he will surely explore preliminary avenues to keeping Downes on.

Jack Stephens – June 2025

Jack Stephens signed a new contract this summer and he was named the club’s official new captain following James Ward-Prowse’s departure.

Stephens has been at Saints since 2011, although he has been out on four loans in that time, and is the longest-serving Saints player as a result.

Jan Bednarek – June 2025

Jan Bednarek was another player subject to transfer interest this summer but Saints rejected the only known bid and he is keen to move on.

Bednarek told the Daily Echo last week that he is focusing on getting Saints back into the Premier League having emerged as an unlikely squad leader.

Adam Armstrong – June 2025

Adam Armstrong’s first two seasons at Saints were nightmarish from an output standpoint but the number nine has stepped up this campaign.

With seven goals already in the league, he continues to prove he is a threat at Championship level – could he take that momentum into a Premier League term when needed?

Kyle Walker-Peters – June 2025

Former England international Kyle Walker-Peters is a surprise inclusion in this year’s Saints squad after impressing consistently at Premier League level.

Saints may find it a challenge to keep him for another summer window, particularly with him entering his final 12 months next season.

James Bree – June 2026

Luton Town star James Bree made the wrong choice, understandably, when it came to his January move and long-term contract at Saints.

His former manager, Nathan Jones, lasted just weeks more and he has been unable to force himself into the plans of Ruben Selles or Russell Martin.

Will Smallbone – June 2026

Academy graduate Will Smallbone was rewarded for a strong start to the season with a new three-year contract after Jason Wilcox was keen to extend his terms.

Smallbone, who spent last season at Stoke City, will likely remain a mainstay in the Saints squad as they push for promotion back to the Premier League.

Ross Stewart – June 2026

Summer signing Ross Stewart is yet to make his Saints debut as he continues his long-term recovery from an Achilles injury.

Martin hopes he can give a different edge with 10 goals in his last 13 Championship games, as Saints look light up front following Nathan Tella’s departure.

Joe Aribo – June 2026

Joe Aribo was reportedly the transfer target of Turkish clubs and Serie A side Hellas Verona during the summer transfer window.

Martin has used the 27 year old as a late substitute in nine of 11 Championship matches this season, starting one and not making it off the bench in the other.

Sekou Mara – June 2026

Young French striker Sekou Mara was reportedly on the verge of an exit on deadline day before starting the match at Sunderland the next day.

Martin continued to give Mara chances but his long-term future at Saints is uncertain, despite being signed up for the next three years.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw – June 2026

Sam Amo-Ameyaw signed his first professional contract after turning 17 years old this summer and was a regular part of Martin’s squad at the beginning of the campaign.

The winger has not been used since starting in the 2-1 win over QPR in August but certainly is viewed as a long-term first-team prospect at Saints.

Ryan Manning – June 2027

Republic of Ireland defender Ryan Manning turned down Premier League interest to rejoin Martin at Saints this summer.

Although he has been criticised for some defensive errors, Manning has been integral to the possession-based style, leading the way for passes completed and progressive yards.

Gavin Bazunu – June 2027

Gavin Bazunu was thrust into a Premier League starting role too soon last season as his errors played a big role in the club’s relegation.

However, at just 21 years old, Bazunu is vastly experienced for his age and growing in a more natural step up – he will remain the number one for the rest of this season at least.

Juan Larios – June 2027

Juan Larios is highly rated by manager Martin, having been tutored in football under Wilcox’s Manchester City academy before moving to Saints last summer.

However, the 19 year old is going to go more than an entire year without playing due to a succession of injuries and is unlikely to be ready to play soon.

Sam Edozie – June 2027

Sam Edozie, one of six players still signed up for the next four seasons, has benefitted from an increased importance in his role under Martin.

He has scored his first two goals for the club but needs to remain on the right path to fulfil his potential, after being dropped from the squad completely by Ruben Selles.

Kamaldeen Sulemana – June 2027

Kamaldeen Sulemana had hoped for a move to a top league this summer but it did not materialise, to the benefit of Saints.

The Ghanaian international is the club’s record signing and Saints will not let him go without seeing a return on their investment, either in profit or on the pitch.

Shea Charles – June 2027

Shea Charles was Southampton’s most expensive signing this summer and is viewed as a potential star for the future, after growing up in Man City’s academy.

Charles, 19, will be given time to develop at his own pace at Saints, with regular first-team appearances but without the pressure of starting every week.

Charly Alcaraz – June 2028

New Argentine international Charly Alcaraz is a long-term transfer target of some Premier League clubs, while he also has admirers in Europe.

Saints moved to protect his value and reward the youngster, in the hope of motivating him to remain a key part of the long-term project.

Every Southampton player’s contract situation in international break

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