5 players Southampton should look to sell in this transfer window

Southampton FC v Watford FC - Premier League
Southampton FC v Watford FC - Premier League

Southampton, under Ralph Hasenhuttl, have been one of the most eye-catching teams in the Premier League this season. After struggling initially, the Saints put in an impressive unbeaten run towards the end of the season to finish 11th in the Premier League.

Southampton's impressive display is testimony to the work put in by Ralph Hasenhuttl. Following the arrival of the Austrian, Southampton have transformed into a pressing machine. Saints, though, looks far from the finished product.

With a host of fringe players at the club, Southampton should look to sell some of them to reinvest elsewhere and strenghten. Keeping that in mind, here are:

5 players that Southampton should look to sell this summer


#1 Wesley Hoedt

Hoedt has been poor since his move from Lazio
Hoedt has been poor since his move from Lazio

Southampton signed highly-rated defender Wesley Hoedt from Lazio in 2017. Things haven't gone his way since arriving at St Mary's. Fast Forward to the present, Hoedt is out of the team and now surplus to requirements for Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Despite making close to 30 appearances in his debut season, Hoedt has rarely looked comfortable in the Premier League. In 41 league appearances, the defender has won just six and lost 19 matches. During this period, Saint's defense have conceded 66 goals and kept just nine clean sheets.

The fact that Hasenhuttl decided to sent Hoedt out on loan, following his arrival, confirms the defender not being in the manager's plans. With Southampton rumored to have completed the transfer of William Salisu, it looks like Hoedt's time at St Mary's is finally coming to an end.


#2 Fraser Forster

Forster is one of the highest earners in the club.
Forster is one of the highest earners in the club.

Its been a while since Fraser Forster had a run in the Southampton first team. The England international arrived from Celtic in 2014 and was the Saints' first-choice goalkeeper before inconsistency crept in and resulted in him losing his place.

The shot-stopper made only one appearance during the 2018/19 season and spent the last season on loan at Celtic. At Celtic Park, the 32-year old has conceded just 28 goals and kept 17 clean sheets across all competitions.

With Alex McCarthy firmly established as the No.1, Southampton should look to sell Forster and free up his wages.


Also Read: 5 players Aston Villa should sell this summer

#3 Guido Carrillo

Carrillo has been one of the worst signings for Southampton
Carrillo has been one of the worst signings for Southampton

If there is any player that should be sold this summer, it is Guido Carrilo. The Argentine was a surprise signing for the Saints in 2018. The striker had cost Southampton close to £20 million to secure his services from AS Monaco.

Carrilo, though, failed to adjust to the demands of the Premier League. In ten appearances across all competitions, Carrillo failed to find the net in any one of them. The striker last played for the Saints during the 2017/18 season and has spent the last two seasons on loan at Leganes.

With just under a year remaining in his contract, Southampton should cash in on the striker.


#4 Sofiane Boufal

If there is one word to describe Boufal, it is inconsistent.
If there is one word to describe Boufal, it is inconsistent.

There has never been any doubt over the talent of Sofiane Boufal. Rather, it has been his inconsistent displays that have been an area of concern for Southampton. The winger arrived at St Mary's in 2016 and was one of the first names on the teamsheet in his first two seasons. Then, inconsistency started to creep in, and the winger ultimately fell out of favor.

In four seasons, the Moroccan international has made just over 80 appearances. During this period, Boufal had a hand in just ten goals - a poor return for any Premier League winger. Inconsistency, lack of goal involvements, and depth in his position have all resulted in less playing time for the Morrocan. With less than a year remaining in his contract, Hasenhuttl should look to sell the talented Moroccan.


#5 Mario Lemina

Cardiff City v Southampton FC - Premier League
Cardiff City v Southampton FC - Premier League

Another player who promised much but failed to deliver, Mario Lemina, arrived from Juventus in 2017. The midfielder was impressive in his debut season at the club. Then, injuries started playing spoilsport in his second season. The midfielder missed close to four months, and following his return found it hard to break into the first-team.

At the start of last season, the Gabonese international moved to Galatasaray on loan. Despite impressing on loan, the midfielder missed close to 20 games due to injuries. With injuries starting to creep in, Southampton should look to sell the unfortunate 26-year-old.


Also Read: 5 Managers who were sacked after winning trophies

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