Can Southampton FC Retain any of Their Stars this Summer?

With the end of the Premier League season almost upon us, it has become time to turn our attention to this summer’s transfer window. While Southampton FC have had it’s best Premier League season ever, certain star players are linked with a departure from the club.

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As long as Liverpool or Arsenal win the FA Cup, Southampton will most likely qualify for the Europa League. It would be the first time in over ten years that the Saints would qualify for a major European competition.

However, that has not stopped the club’s top players from being linked to top Premier League clubs. At the rate players are expected to move this summer, an exodus part two could be on the horizon for the south coast club.

While some of the club’s best players are expected to leave this summer, manager Ronald Koeman has already expressed the doubt he has in retaining these players.

When speaking about Morgan Schneiderlin — the club’s best player — Koeman admitted the players superb form this season has only encouraged some of the world’s top clubs to show interest in the Frenchman.

"“It’s up to the player what he wants to do. It will be hard to keep him, when there’s interest in the player it’s very hard of course but normally if we play a season like we have done so far there will be interest."

Koeman also spoke about on-loan defender Toby Alderweireld, and how likely it would be for the club to retain the services of this upcoming star.

"“I’m confident because the player likes to stay, but he is still the player of Atletico Madrid and that’s the difficulty."

While Southampton do posses an option to sign the Belgian, Atletico Madrid can override the option and pay Southampton a penalty fee instead. While Koeman is expected to do all he can to retain Alderweireld for at least one more season, it is looking more unlikely by the day.

Southampton FC are also expected to lose starting England right back Nathaniel Clyne this summer. With Manchester United and Chelsea interested in the English fullback, manager Ronald Koeman has vowed to fight against all external competition in a bid retain Clyne.

"“We are still trying to keep Clyne in the club. We know it’s not easy as maybe there is some interest. At the moment, there is not a serious bid for whichever player in the team, but we’ll do everything to keep them.”"

Also expected to be on the transfer block this summer is struggling forward Graziano Pelle with Italian club Lazio interested in signing the big Italian international.

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Though he recently scored for his country against England, Pelle has not been very productive at Southampton since the mid-season. Pelle has failed to score a single goal for Southampton in all of 2015.

With Jay Rodriguez — another player expected to leave this summer — and Shane Long out with injuries for most of the season, Pelle has failed to impress in his many appearances for the side.

Though the sale of some of these players could help Ronald Koeman bring in fresh faces to complete his squad, the loss of all these stars could prove costly to Southampton FC.

The Saint pride themselves on their youth development, something the club has done well for almost it’s entire history. However, the club needs top veteran stars to mentor these young players.

If Southampton really dream of competing for Champions League football, the club must make a stand now. Retaining even half of the top players on their squad would be a victory at this point. A victory that could propel Southampton into the upper echelon of English soccer.

Next: Chelsea to Move for Southampton Duo

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Southampton FC: Can Ronald Koeman Retain Any of the Club’s Stars?

By Robert Molnar | Apr 10, 2015

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