2 players Southampton should sign for free this summer

The Saints’ terrible season in the premier league caused them to drop back to the second division, which was a shock to the system.

Even though they had a difficult stretch early in the season, Southampton and Russell Martin have performed well enough to be in the running for promotion as the season draws to a close.

Of course, from this point until the end of the season, the club’s whole attention will be on the action on the field.

However, as the games go by, the next transfer window becomes more and nearer, so whether they play in the Premier League or the Championship next season, preparations must begin.

Having said that, we at Football League World have chosen to examine two Championship players who Southampton ought to sign this summer on a free transfer.

Chris Willock

Given that Southampton is currently unsure of the division they will play in next season and that their current performance suggests they may not make it out of the running for automatic promotion, the Saints should be exploring free agents who have the ability to play in both the Premier League and the Championship.

One area of the field where the Saints lack significant immediate quality is on the wings – young talents like Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Samuel Edozie have shown inconsistency, Kamaldeen Sulemana hasn’t been a key player under Russell Martin, and the loan signings of David Brooks and Ryan Fraser provide temporary solutions.

Given this situation, the Saints may consider targeting Chris Willock, who is experiencing a resurgence under the guidance of Marti Cifuentes, the Spanish coach who took over as QPR head coach in October, replacing Gareth Ainsworth.

During Ainsworth’s tenure, Willock seemed to be sidelined and underutilized, which was surprising considering his strong start to the 2022-23 season under Mick Beale at Loftus Road before injuries hampered his progress.

However, Willock recently demonstrated his value with an assist and a match-winning goal against Rotherham United. This performance underscored his potential when provided with the right opportunities. A move to Martin’s side, especially if they remain in the Championship, could unlock another level in the 26-year-old’s game.

Callum O’Hare