Dream Southampton summer transfer window including goal machine and Portsmouth star

Southampton are preparing for a season back in the Championship, having been relegated from the Premier League after finishing 20th in a challenging 2024/25 campaign.

Manager Will Still, who was recently appointed, and their hierarchy will undoubtedly be focused on a significant overhaul of the squad, with a lot of players set to be coming and going.

This summer is anticipated to be extremely busy at St Mary’s as they look to build a team capable of securing a fast return to the top flight.

Reports suggest Southampton will be active in the transfer market, navigating both potential departures of high-earning Premier League players and strategic arrivals to support their Championship promotion push.

With this ambitious outlook, we’ve taken a look at what a dream summer transfer window would look like for the Saints as they prepare to compete in the Championship.

The Championship goal machine

With potential high-profile departures, Southampton will need a reliable striker and Joel Piroe is exactly that. He bagged a remarkable 19 goals in 46 Championship appearances for Leeds in the 2024/25 season, proving his clinical finishing and ability to thrive in the second tier. He’s a proven commodity at this level and would instantly elevate Southampton’s attacking threat.

• READ MORE: Southampton star has a big point to prove in 2025/26 Championship, he can shine under Will Still

The tenacious midfield engine

The Championship midfield requires immense work rate and that’s what Alex Mowatt could give Southampton. He had a strong 2024/25 season with West Brom, contributing 7 goals and 2 assists in 43 appearances. His all-action style and knack for chipping in with vital goals make him an ideal fit. His contract status might also make him a smart signing.

The promising modern full-back

Should Kyle Walker-Peters move on, a diligent replacement at full-back is essential. Kaine Kesler-Hayden has impressed during multiple loan spells in the Championship, including with Preston North End. He’s a young, athletic player who fits Southampton’s historical model of recruiting and developing talented young players, and Aston Villa may be open to a permanent transfer.

• READ MORE: ‘Next Kylian Mbappe’ could join Southampton or Sheffield United as £8.5m star’s father speaks out

The attacking reinforcement

Josh Murphy showed his attacking talent with 7 goals and an impressive 14 assists in 42 Championship appearances (after Portsmouth’s promotion) in 2024/25. His ability to beat players and score from wide areas would make him a huge threat, and while it would be a controversial move, his proven Championship quality is undeniable.

Southampton players to be sold

Southampton’s relegation means a significant clear-out of their squad is likely, especially to offload high earners and generate funds for their Championship rebuild.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, a big-money signing last summer, is set to leave due to a reported £25 million relegation release clause and his need for Premier League football, freeing up a substantial £6.24 million annual salary.

Similarly, full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, a consistent player with his contract expiring in June 2025, is a prime candidate for a Premier League move, allowing them to cash in rather than lose him for free.

• READ MORE: Dragan Solak makes his stance on selling Southampton very clear, ‘I might…’

Midfielder Joe Aribo, on an annual salary of £3.64 million, could also be sold as they look to streamline their wage bill and potentially bring in players better suited to the Championship’s demands.

Finally, Kamaldeen Sulemana, the club’s record signing, might be offloaded to get back some of his £22 million transfer fee and reduce his £2.08 million annual salary, given his irregular performances and injury record.

These departures could be key for Southampton’s financial stability and for building a new squad for Will Still.

Dream Hull City summer transfer window as ‘quality’ Premier League player and maverick striker sign

Hull City have already been one of the busiest Championship clubs in the summer transfer window following the arrival of Sergej Jakirovic.

Jakirovic was appointed the new Hull manager earlier in June after the decision was made to sack Ruben Selles at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

The Tigers survived relegation by the skin of their teeth with a final-day draw against Portsmouth, with owner Acun Ilicali expecting Hull to be challenging nearer the top.

For City to climb towards the upper echelons of the Championship table in 2025/26, though, solid investment will be required in most areas of the pitch.

Hull kick-started their business with the signing of Reda Laalaoui from Moroccan side FUS Rabat, while Semi Ajayi joined on a free transfer after leaving West Brom.