Who Should Replace Kyle Walker-Peters? 5 Excellent Players Southampton FC Could Target
With Kyle Walker-Peters leaving Southampton at the expiration of his contract this summer, Southampton face the challenge of replacing one of their most consistent performers.
The versatile full-back has been a key figure at St Mary’s, having spent five years at the club. Saints will need to act quickly and smartly in the transfer market to beat other clubs in making a potential signing at right-back. In finding a suitable replacement for Walker-Peters, a young player with the potential to step up to the Premier League should be Southampton Sporting Director Johannes Spors’ target.
Who Southampton Could Target to Replace Kyle Walker-Peters
The role of a full-back has swiftly evolved over the years and is now seen as one of the key positions in the modern game. To play in this role is to provide the foundations of an attack, providing width and pace in the transition while needing to balance your defensive responsibilities.
Will Still’s high-tempo football demands fast players on the transitions.
Here are five potential replacements Southampton could target to fill the void and aid their push for promotion.
Max Johnston
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; Johnston’s major strength comes through his ability to stretch the pitch and aggressively trouble the shape of his opposition.
He has a solid defensive side to his game too, holding his own against Chelsea-bound winger 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.
In a recent interview with Sky, Johnston addressed the transfer rumours, saying he wants to ”reach the top”. Saints could provide a long-term pathway to the Premier League for him, an enticing proposition.
The Scotsman’s services should be available for a cut price of just £3m this summer, which is a bargain Saints should jump on.
Alfie Gilchrist
Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Chelsea right-back will leave the club permanently this summer, with strong interest from Championship clubs. Southampton will certainly be one of the suitors.
The 21-year-old spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Sheffield United, a club that will rival Saints for promotion this season, after losing out in the Play-Off Final. The Englishman featured in thirty-two matches for the Blades, who will also be keen to sign the Chelsea academy product.
More of a defensive full-back than Walker-Peters, Gilchrist is quite the battering ram that suits the rough-and-tumble nature of the Championship. His technical ability is also there but may require more fine-tuning than other potential signings.
Gilchrist’s signing could hopefully continue the tradition of good right-back signing for the Saints from Cobham, after Tino Livramento a few years prior. A potential price tag is unknown on this one at the moment, but this would certainly be an astute move if he fits Will Still’s tactical mould and qualities.
Kaine Kesler-Hayden
The 22-year-old right-back contracted to Aston Villa is a target for the Saints after an impressive loan spell at Preston North End, where he took home the club’s Player of the Year awards.
Aston Villa’s Writer for The Athletic, Jacob Tanswell, has reported that there is a ‘mutual feeling’ between both parties that Kesler-Hayden should leave for a low-end Premier League/top-end Championship club this summer. Southampton could be great for his career path, as it ends up being for many young footballers who make the move to Hampshire.
One of Kesler-Hayden’s best attributes is his ball progression, where he ranked in the top percentile for progressive carries among full-backs last season at Preston. A defensive asset too, his solidity in one-on-one duels is extremely prevalent, and Kesler-Hayden’s duel success is up there with the best in the Championship.
Will Still will focus on recruiting players who can play his highly structured style of football, which needs athletic players who can commit without overworking themselves; coping with his pragmatic ways. Kesler-Hayden fits this bill nicely and should be available for a good price this summer.
Josh Acheampong
Another player who could be available from Chelsea’s ranks is the full-back part of their Club World Cup squad. The 19-year-old will now be ready to go out and gain some experience, considering his opportunities in the Chelsea first team will be limited as the club already has an extensive number of defenders at their disposal.
Acheampong is an extremely athletic player, standing at 6’4” tall, albeit having a lean frame. Johannes Spors has looked keen to sign physical presences, with Joshua Quarshie already in the door for Southampton, who stands at 6’5” and has a rapid top speed of 37 km/h.
Acheampong lacks experience in his short career so far but is highly rated at Chelsea, as is Gilchrist. This signing would likely only be a loan, unlike Gilchrist, if it were to come off.
Alex Freeman
The 20-year-old made his USMNT debut in June, at just 20 years old. The dynamic full-back, who plays for MLS side Orlando City, seems keen to make the move to Europe, with various clubs interested. Saints are one of these teams, along with newly promoted to the Premier League sides Leeds United and Burnley and various other European clubs.
Freeman is an extremely progressive player, in the top percentile for almost all of his actions in the MLS! From deep, he has contributed to 6 goals in 17 games. His defensive capabilities are also second to none.
Freeman is widely viewed as the future of American soccer, so this could be such a smart deal if it gets wrapped up. Italian side Parma made an opening bid of €2m in May, so this could be another relatively cheap deal if the Saints were to wrap it up.
Has to Be Still’s Choice
Strengthening at right-back alongside rotation player James Bree is one of the most important decisions Southampton must get right this summer. While it is unlikely that the club will find someone similar to Kyle Walker-Peters for a limited price, it will open up the opportunity to find someone suited to Will Still’s estimation.
Whoever Saints target will need to be signed through Will Still’s recommendation and approval to get the most out of them. This summer is going to be pivotal.
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