Southampton’s Summer Rebuild: 20 Signings To Shape Will Still’s Legacy
With key decisions made on who stays and who goes, the focus now shifts to rebuilding Southampton. After a season of disappointment and transition, new manager Will Still faces the daunting challenge of reshaping a squad capable of returning to the Premier League. While departures will create both financial flexibility and squad space, strategic reinforcements are essential.
This summer isn’t just about filling gaps – it’s about creating a team with identity, hunger, and the right balance of experience and youth. From finding leaders on the pitch to identifying creative threats and defensive anchors, this transfer window could define the Saints’ short-term future.
So where should Southampton look? Who fits Will Still’s system? And which players can inspire a promotion charge? In this piece we’ll break down the positions that need strengthening and explore realistic, high-impact targets to drive the club forward.
Where To Strengthen?
The goalkeeper position is an immediate concern – with Aaron Ramsdale set to depart, the club needs a new first-choice shot-stopper to lead from the back. A starting right-back is also essential following Kyle Walker-Peters’ confirmed exit, and with both Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis likely moving on, at least one other commanding central defender is needed to shore up the defence, alongside recent addition Joshua Quarshie. An alternative option in midfield to provide depth is key for sustaining consistency across a long Championship campaign, evidenced by Southampton’s previous failures without a Flynn Downes replacement.
The squad lacks a spark in the final third. A dynamic winger who can beat a man and deliver an end product, as well as an attacking midfielder capable of linking play and creating chances, should be high on the list. In attack, a versatile striker who can complement or compete with Ross Stewart and Cameron Archer will help diversify the attacking options.
Additionally, the club could look to bring in a high-upside under-21 player, given they don’t take up a squad spot, either as a long-term investment or impact substitute, continuing Southampton’s tradition of nurturing young talent.
Making The Picks
Will Still is known for favouring both the 4-2-3-1 and 3-back formations, offering flexibility in how Southampton can line up next season. With those systems in mind, we’ve based our player and position picks around the roles most crucial to making either setup work effectively. However, given Still’s adaptability and willingness to tweak his approach, we’ve also factored in players who offer versatility across multiple roles.
With squad gaps clearly defined, we move on to individual recruitment. Each of us has made our case for who the Saints should target in each key position – beginning between the sticks.
Goalkeeper
Carl Rushworth
The 23-year-old has endured a frustrating season, making just two appearances for Hull City before being recalled by parent club Brighton. However, an impressive loan spell at Swansea the year prior showcased his composure, shot-stopping ability, and a sense of maturity beyond his age, especially for a goalkeeper. With Championship experience already under his belt, he’s shown strong signs that he can thrive in a promotion-chasing environment.
Under Will Still, goalkeepers are more than just shot-stoppers – they’re viewed as the beginning point of an attack, an increasingly common theme in modern football. Whether in a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1, Still’s systems rely on keepers who are comfortable with the ball at their feet and capable of contributing to build-up play. That’s where Carl Rushworth’s profile stands out. Averaging 50.48 touches per 90 minutes, a figure in the 94th percentile among goalkeepers, he’s heavily involved in possession, a trait that aligns perfectly with Still’s philosophy. His 1.39 defensive actions outside the box per 90 and 16.3-yard average defensive action distance suggest he’s comfortable playing a higher line, acting almost like a sweeper when required.
Beyond his distribution and involvement, the Englishman also shows promise in traditional goalkeeping. His 70.9% save percentage (78th percentile) is above average, while a +0.12 PSxG-GA (86th percentile) demonstrates he prevents more goals than expected – a significant improvement over previous Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who sits at -0.29. Though his clean sheet percentage sits lower at 21.7%, that figure is often team-based, and Swansea, at the time, faced an average of 4.48 shots on target per game.
At Reims, goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was recognised for his skill in playing short passes to defenders and launching balls to wide players, effectively evading the opposition’s high press and aligning with Still’s aims for a controlled and efficient build-up. In a side aiming to bounce back at the first time of asking, the goalkeeper can’t be a liability. A strong, system-suited presence between the sticks could prove the foundation for Southampton’s entire promotion campaign.
Potential Fee – Loan With Possible Obligation-to-Buy
Sam Johnstone
I’ve gone for the Championship know-how and shot-stopping ability of Johnstone over the short distribution Bazunu offers, as the assured man in net is what the Saints missed last time out in the second tier.
Irishman Bazunu conceded over ten more goals than the data says he should have. These ten goals tipped in the other direction would have ultimately given Southampton automatic promotion that year, though luckily for the Saints this did not matter in the end, after Alex McCarthy shored up the defence in the victorious play-off campaign. The English shot-stopper left Crystal Palace last summer in search of a starting spot elsewhere after Oliver Glasner gave Dean Henderson his vote of confidence. He arrived at Wolves, playing just seven games before new manager Vitor Pereira selected José Sá instead.
Johnstone will now be looking for somewhere to settle down long-term, with confidence that he is that club’s No. 1. A return to the England set-up will be at the forefront of Johnstone’s mind, so this could be a move extremely beneficial for both parties.
Potential Fee – Loan With Obligation-to-buy
Centre-Back
Márton Dárdai
A 6’1″ left-footed central defender with senior international experience for Hungary, Márton Dárdai has quietly emerged as a standout performer for Hertha BSC in Germany’s Bundesliga 2. With 15 international caps and nearly 2,500 minutes played in the 2024/25 season, the 23-year-old offers a blend of top-level pedigree and second-tier grit, making him an intriguing candidate for a Championship move to the Saints.
In the 96.9 percentile for progressive passes and 86.5 percentile for progressive carries, it shows he’s extremely comfortable progressing play under pressure – a trait that suits a team looking to move forward with purpose after winning the ball high or transitioning quickly. Despite not being a high-volume passer (62.0 percentile), the quality and intent behind his distribution stand out. In a Still setup, where defenders must be comfortable initiating attacks from turnovers or breaking pressing lines, Dárdai’s ability to move the ball forward intelligently makes him a valuable asset.
Defensively, Dárdai offers a solid foundation in duels and aerial battles, both key in the physical and transitional nature of the Championship. His 71.9 percentile in aerial duels is especially promising for a league where set pieces and second balls matter. While his 41.8 percentile in defensive duels and 31.7 percentile in overall defensive actions aren’t elite, they could reflect a system-based discipline, deciding to stay in shape rather than constantly chasing.
In a pressing system where defensive moments are often involving winning key duels and compressing space rather than volume of tackles, his profile fits. Though he doesn’t contribute directly in goals or assists, his ability to cover ground and make smart defensive reads makes him a candidate for the left-sided centre-back role Southampton need, particularly following expected departures.
Potential Fee – £5 Million
Japhet Tanganga
The Millwall centre-back approaching the prime of his career was excellent for the Lions last season, winning 71% of his duels, a big factor in the defence that kept 14 clean sheets in total.
His experience in both the Championship and Premier League could be momentous for a Southampton squad low on confidence and experience in both divisions. Tanganga’s ability to play as the right centre-back in both a back four and a three is a great asset that could interest Will Still, who is known for his pragmatism and shifts between both styles of defence. This could be a cheap, smart buy for Saints that would add an assured head to the backline.
Potential Fee – £10 Million
Right Back
Kaine Kesler-Hayden
The dynamic 22-year-old right-back from Aston Villa is a reported target for Southampton as they look to bolster their squad. Fresh off an impressive loan spell at Preston North End, where he played 44 matches, scored twice, and provided three assists, the Englishman swept the club’s Player of the Year awards, showcasing his consistency and versatility.
One of his best attributes is his elite ball progression – at this level – through carries, ranking in the 89.9th percentile for progressive carries among full-backs. This ability to drive forward with the ball under pressure aligns perfectly with Still’s preference for full-backs who support the attack in transition and stretch the play wide to unlock opposition defences. Though his progressive passing (9.7 percentile) and expected assists (22.0 percentile) are relatively low, in a more dominating-aimed system like Southampton’s, his attacking output could grow.
Kesler-Hayden’s defensive numbers underline his solidity. He ranks in the 62.4th percentile for defensive duel success, highlighting a sense of composure and strength in one-on-one situations. This is a vital trait in a high-pressing system that can often leave defenders isolated. While his total defensive actions (29.2 percentile) and aerial success (45.3 percentile) imply he isn’t a pure defensive stopper, his reading of the game and recovery speed allow him to operate in more expansive systems. Given Still’s emphasis on proactive, structured pressing, having a full-back who can recover quickly and win key duels without overcommitting is essential and Kesler-Hayden fits that bill.
The 22-year-old offers Southampton a modern full-back who thrives when tasked with progressing play and operating at high intensity. While there are areas to refine, particularly in crossing and final-third decision-making, his potential to prosper in a more dominant, attacking setup makes him an ideal target for the Saints.
Potential Fee – £15 Million (Loan With Possible Obligation-to-Buy)
Max Johnstone
Saints have been linked to the Scottish right-back this summer, who impressed last season for Austrian outfit Sturm Graz. The 21-year-old is an attacking threat, with 6 goal involvements last season; his heat map below shows his ability to stretch the pitch (via Sofascore).
He has a solid defensive side to his game too, holding his own against the dangerous Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the Champions League when his side visited Dortmund in the 2024/25 season. At his young age, there is plenty of Premier League potential, and Will Still may see the versatility of his game as a favourable asset.
Potential Fee – £5 Million
Midfielder
Leo Walta
Who? Yeah, I get that he’s a bit of a rogue shout – but trust me. A Finland international currently playing in the Swedish top flight, Leo Walta is just 22 years old and already making serious waves. He’s a midfielder, primarily an eight, but possesses the versatility to slot into more advanced roles too.
Leo Walta might be unknown, but his underlying metrics suggest he’s a player trending in the right direction – and one who could suit Will Still’s dynamic midfield setup at Southampton. Comparing his 2024 and 2025 numbers at IK Sirius shows clear signs of defensive growth: his duel success rate has more than doubled from 44.1 to an elite 95.0 percentile, while defensive actions jumped from 35.6 to 64.6. This progression indicates a midfielder developing the presence needed for a system that values intensity and pressure. While it’s worth noting that his 2025 numbers are based on significantly fewer minutes (just over 1,000 compared to 2,700 the year before), the improvement is still notable and points to both physical and tactical development.
What makes Walta an even more intriguing fit is his profile as a progressive passer and ball-carrier. Even with his lower 2025 sample size, he remains highly effective at advancing play – sitting in the 97.1 percentile for progressive passes and 81.3 for progressive carries. His forward passing consistency (89.0 percentile in 2025) also stands out, indicating he’s not just recycling possession but actively trying to break lines and move the ball with purpose. This aligns well with Still’s tactical blueprint, which favours technical midfielders who can operate in tight spaces and link transitions quickly. While he may not walk into the starting XI at St Mary’s, his versatility (comfortable as an 8 or 10) and age make him a valuable rotation player with little downside.
The 22-year-old offers a smart, affordable option for Southampton. Someone who could grow with the squad and step into bigger roles over time. His marked defensive improvement, combined with superb progression numbers, makes him a compelling fit for Still’s pressing and possession-heavy style. Despite a lack of experience, with the right development and support, Walta could prove a shrewd under-the-radar addition, especially with the lack of reported interest.
Potential Fee – £3.5 Million
Isaac Solet
The young Frenchman spent the season on loan at Southampton’s sister club Göztepe from Bulgarian club Slavia Sofia. The last time the Saints were in the Championship, they really lacked defensive midfield cover, with Will Smallbone having to fill in at times.
This is an important place to strengthen. Solet can play as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, so he could be a great backup option for Still’s Saints. Despite an injury-ridden season, which could be of concern, Solet impressed during his 11 games in the team. His athleticism and ability to play in multiple positions could be of interest to Southampton, so a loan or even permanent transfer could be useful in the multi-club exchange system.
Potential Fee – Loan With Option-to-Buy
Attacking Midfielder
Giorgi Chakvetadze
Giorgi Chakvetadze, a 25-year-old Georgian midfielder currently playing for Watford, has rapidly emerged as a creative force in the Championship. With Mateus Fernandes likely departing Southampton, Chakvetadze could be a strong candidate to fill the midfield void and bring flair to the Saints’ engine room.
Giorgi Chakvetadze’s 24/25 campaign at Watford has emphasised his strengths as a progressive, ball-carrying playmaker who thrives in advanced areas. Ranking in the 99.3 percentile for progressive carries and 86.3 for dribbles, the Georgian midfielder consistently advanced possession through direct runs, making him a constant threat between the lines. His ability to drive past markers and shift the tempo of attacks aligns closely with the demands of a high-tempo, front-foot setup.
Though not a prolific scorer, Chakvetadze’s attacking output is well-rounded. His assists rank at the 57.7 percentile, with key passes at 50.8, indicating his value as a connector in the final third. While his non-penalty goals (22.1) and combined xG + xA (48.7) sit closer to average, they still suggest a player capable of supporting end-product moments, even if not consistently finishing them. His 78.9 percentile in attacking actions further alludes to his regular involvement in the buildup and advanced play.
With over 3,500 minutes played, Chakvetadze offers not only quality but also longevity, which every manager values. Under Will Still, who favours fluid, aggressive attacking systems like the 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1, Chakvetadze could be a natural fit in one of the advanced midfield roles. His elite ball progression and high attacking involvement make him a strong candidate to support and supply more direct attacking players while offering the kind of transitional threat that Still builds his teams to play.
Potential Fee – £15 Million
Jack Rudoni
Assuming Portuguese maestro Mateus Fernandes leaves this transfer window, Southampton need a new attacking midfielder to boost the team’s creativity. Their man is Jack Rudoni, who should be their top target for this summer.
Rudoni is a versatile player, again suiting Will Still’s pragmatic system, who primarily plays in the last third. As well as defensive midfield cover, the Saints really missed an attacking midfielder in their last Championship campaign, so picking out Coventry’s star would be an astute move. He will fit the advanced role as one of Will Still’s playmakers to a tee, with his magnificent ball control and ability to find a pass.
If needed, Rudoni can also play on the left, suiting Still’s 3-back system. He racked up 23 goal involvements in last season’s Championship and ended in the top percentile for touches, duels won and chances created compared to other midfielders. He would be a pricier pickup, at around the £15m mark and upwards, but it would be investing in Premier League potential too!
Potential Fee – £15 Million
Winger
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
A product of the Crystal Palace academy, the 22-year-old is reportedly up for sale this summer following a loan spell at Sheffield United, where he notched seven goals and two assists. Southampton showed interest in him last year and could look to reignite that pursuit as they prepare for the upcoming Championship campaign.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s 24/25 campaign at Sheffield United showcased the attacking ability that would appeal to any forward-thinking manager. Ranking in the 90.5 percentile for non-penalty goals and 77.6 for combined xG + xA, the Englishman proved himself a consistent final-third threat. His progressive carries (90.1 percentile) and dribbling metrics (80.2) speak to his ability to break lines and isolate defenders. These are key characteristics for wide players in Still’s system, which emphasises transitional threat and aggressive forward play. While his assist (48.0) and key pass (58.3) numbers allude to the fact that he’s more of a finisher than a creator, he still contributes meaningfully to the buildup, with attacking action involvement in the 71.1 percentile.
The tactical question is whether Rak-Sakyi can manage the defensive responsibilities required under Still, who typically demands intense pressing and close man-to-man engagements high up the pitch. While Rak-Sakyi hasn’t built a reputation as a defensive winger, his development under a demanding system at Sheffield United and strong work rate in possession suggest he could adapt. At 22, he has the athleticism and energy to press aggressively, and with focused coaching, he could refine his positioning and off-ball discipline. Given Still’s preference for proactive, engaged wingers who can both disrupt and counter, he has the raw attributes to be moulded into that role.
His attacking output fits the profile Still wants from his wide players, and with the right guidance, he could become an improved threat in a pressing system. Whether starting or rotating, his blend of pace, ball-carrying, and end product makes him a strong candidate to thrive under Still’s ambitious setup.
Potential Fee – £10 Million (Loan With Option-to-Buy)
Tom Fellows
No doubt Fellows will have Premier League interest, but if a top-flight move doesn’t materialise, it isn’t against the realms of possibility that he may make the switch down South. The Saints are in desperate need of a couple of wingers who can take their man right to the byline and put in a good cross. Fellows is that player.
He made 14 assists in last season’s Championship for West Bromwich Albion, being in the top percentile for chances created. His pass accuracy and sheer amount of touches show his love of having the ball at his feet. Fellows should be able to adapt well to Still’s system, which has its similarities to Carlos Corberán’s that Fellows thrived in for West Brom.
Potential Fee – £15 Million
Striker
Willem Geubbels
Willem Geubbels, a young French striker, has been making headlines with his impressive performances for FC St. Gallen in the Swiss Super League. With fourteen goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season, his resurgence has attracted attention from several clubs – and Saints should be one of them.
At just 23 years old, Geubbels has proven himself as a complete centre-forward capable in the air and open play. As evidenced by his ranking in the 79.9th percentile for non-penalty goals, he’s reliable and doesn’t require set pieces to produce significant output. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, he’s an imposing presence, reflected in his 76.8th percentile aerial metrics, and could offer the Saints a valuable alternative up top, combining athleticism and stature.
He’s a constant threat all game, with his attacking actions in the 88.7 percentile, which could aid in the long run of a demanding Championship season. Whilst being a goal-scoring threat, he’s also highly capable as a playmaker. He may have only three assists, but his expected assists rank in the 89.8th percentile among strikers – proposing that, with more capable finishers around him, he could thrive as a creator as well as a scorer.
The Saints have been on the tough end of striker recruitment recently. Scotsman Ross Stewart only scored his first goal last week against Arsenal, despite signing two seasons ago. Fellow striker Cameron Archer has yet to score since Southampton’s 2-1 cup loss to Liverpool in December. The Frenchman, on the other hand, has played 2401 minutes this season, demonstrating durability and, alongside his mix of youth and athleticism, could play a pivotal role in the upcoming campaign.
Potential Fee – £7.5 Million
Rômulo Cruz
An ambitious choice for striker. Too ambitious? Perhaps. But the beauty of Sport Republic’s multi-club model is that they see Southampton as the centrepiece of the three clubs that they own. And if Goztepe’s Rômulo were to buy into Will Still’s plans to get Southampton back to the Premier League, he could be a tremendous addition to their forward line.
In the Turkish Süper Lig last season, Cruz was involved in 22 goals in Göztepe’s fantastic 8th-place return. A player who could really thrive spearheading attacks under Still, the’ 6’3’ Brazilian has the athleticism and pace to cause serious damage to defences, whether it’s in the Championship or Premier League. Sport Republic may just want to use their multi-club setup to Southampton’s advantage here. That is, of course, only if Cruz can see himself in England. At just 23 years old, his future is bright.
Potential Fee – £10 Million
Under-21 Player
Andre Garcia
Andre Garcia is one of Reading’s brightest prospects, catching the attention of many top-flight clubs. At just 17, he has already recorded 38 senior appearances for the Royals in the 24/25 season, becoming a first-team regular on the left flank. While primarily known for his defensive solidity, he has also contributed going forward, despite only one assist, and is showing signs of a developing attacking game.
His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Southampton even made two proposals in January, though Reading swiftly rejected these offers – a testament to how highly they rate the academy graduate.
🚨🔴⚪️ EXCL: Southampton submit bid to Reading worth £2m total package for 17 year old LB Andre Garcia.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2025
Opening proposal was rejected last week and Southampton are now trying again. pic.twitter.com/Df3hZJeHrL
Garcia’s performances have also earned him international recognition, with a call-up to the England U18 squad, highlighting his status as one of the country’s most promising young defenders. With maturity, physicality, and positional intelligence all coming together, Garcia is a player that the Saints could initially develop through the youth system, transitioning appropriately into the senior side.
Potential Fee – £2.5 Million
Lennon Miller
Southampton’s ongoing interest in Motherwell’s young star is unsurprising; because of his impressive stats, Miller has the potential to reach the top, with 10 goal involvements in the Scottish Premiership last season, at just 18 years old. His average match rating of 7.46 on Fotmob shows his consistency but also his all-rounder nature, as Miller is in the top percentile for touches, duels won and defensive actions compared to other SPFL midfielders.
Miller can play anywhere in midfield but mainly specialises in the number 8 role that Still uses two of in his most commonly used system. Hopefully, the Saints can finally tie up a deal for the Scottish starlet, who may challenge Flynn Downes and Shea Charles for starting spots next season. All competition is healthy, but Miller could also bolster the quality of the Saints team.
Potential Fee – £7.5 Million
Lineups
Christian’s Lineups
Within this 4-2-3-1, Will Still would most likely give Chakvetadze a free role in linking deep, aiding the wide players, and supporting Geubbels when crosses are played in, acting as an alternative option. Both wingers would look to cut in, but both possess the ability to shoot and produce with their weak foot – a key trait for the wingers. A strong pivot of Shea Charles and Flynn Downes would provide the Saints with a very strong foundation to build attacks off of, potentially even allowing the fullbacks to push forward in order to support and provide overlapping options.
The triangle of Rushworth, Edwards, and Dárdai offers strong ball-playing capabilities. These are necessary during the initial phase of Will Still’s build-up, which requires these elements to switch play and find gaps in the opposition press. By maintaining width and staying calm in possession, this triangle allows the Saints to dictate the tempo early and draw opponents out of position.
Within this 3-back, Will Still would likely deploy Chakvetadze and Rak-Sakyi as the two attacking midfielders behind Geubbels, offering fluidity in the half-spaces. Chakvetadze would again be granted a free role – dropping deep to receive, drifting wide to combine, and pushing into the box to support Geubbels during attacking sequences. Rak-Sakyi, more direct in his approach, would complement this by attacking space and providing an additional goal threat.
Out wide, the wing-backs would be encouraged to push high, often operating as wingers. Their width allows the two central midfielders – Charles and Downes – to maintain central dominance and cover the back three. This pivot offers defensive stability and passing security, forming the base from which Still’s side can recycle possession and control the rhythm of the game.
Alex’s Lineups
If Still were to use this system with a back four, it would be extremely solid as a unit and have a dangerous, direct attack. Edozie and Fellows are both wingers who offer the ability to take on a full back and deliver a cross, which Still will look to use to his advantage. Rudoni and Charles will act as the two ”no. 8s” and supply Cruz with support. Johnston and Welington will be able to push high and wide, expanding the pitch. It isn’t quite as free-flowing as my back-three system but is the kind of system I’d like to see utilised in the tougher games.
If Will Still were to use this back-three system, it would offer an extremely free-flowing alternative. When the team is out of possession, Welington would be able to drop in and form the back four, making it a stronger defensive unit. Downes and Charles will marshal the midfield as always, offering stability when attacking. With the ball, Tom Fellows would be able to perform higher up, allowing Adam Armstrong to take up a narrower position, exactly where he thrives best, neither as a striker nor an out-and-out winger.
With Rudoni in the half-spaces, defences would really have trouble picking up this team. Cruz in attack, with Archer coming on in the latter stages, would be a damning reality. This team offers the unpredictability and pathways to attack that Still will like, who said himself that ”high performance is winning.” He will find a way, however unorthodox it may be.
Conclusion
With Will Still at the helm, Southampton enter the upcoming Championship season with a refreshed identity and a clear tactical blueprint. His approach with structured pressing and intelligent rotations demands a well-balanced squad with both technical quality and discipline. The proposed signings will not only complement this system but also add depth and versatility across key areas of the pitch.
If the recruitment aligns with Still’s footballing principles, the Saints will be well-positioned to mount a serious promotion push. The blend of youth, energy, and tactical cohesion could allow Southampton not just to compete, but to impose their style week in, week out. With a defined philosophy and the right personnel in place, St Mary’s could soon become a fortress once more, with the prospect of Premier League success in Sport Republic’s sights.
Time will tell if the Saints can get it right.
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