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.
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 … Continue reading
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.
