Russell Martin led Southampton back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. In his first season at this level, can the adventurous coach secure survival?
Southampton – Premier League Season Preview 2024/25
Last season: 4th (Championship – promoted through play-offs)
Title odds: 1500/1
TFF prediction: 19th
Southampton Transfers 2024/25
In: Adam Lallana, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Yukinari Sugawara, Ben Brereton Díaz, Kuryu Matsuki.
Out: Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong, Romain Perraud, Lyanco, Duje Caleta-Car.
Russell Martin deserves huge credit for his rebuild of Southampton last season, taking over a team with mass changes in personnel and leading them to promotion at the first attempt.
Martin’s front-footed football has won admirers during his coaching career to date, though greater pragmatism could be required if the Saints are to beat the drop. Burnley should serve as an example to those coming up after the Championship-winning Clarets struggled to adjust their style against better opponents.
The @premierleague awaits 🤩 pic.twitter.com/QZ6EnTMOtH
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 12, 2024
Goals could be an issue for Southampton despite their free-flowing football last term. Adam Armstrong was one of the players of the Championship campaign with more goals and assists (34) than any other player, but has netted just four times in 68 previous games at this level.
The signing of Ben Brereton Diaz looks sensible after he impressed in a struggling Sheffield United side last season, while the veteran Adam Lallana will add priceless experience to a youthful dressing room. Perhaps more importantly, Flynn Dowens and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have turned loans into permanent deals after being a crucial part of the promotion charge.
Southampton will give it a go, no doubt, but the growing gap between the top two divisions has been made clear in recent campaigns. Last season saw all three promoted teams relegated and Martin has his work cut out to keep the Saints up.
Key player: Flynn Downes
After failing to earn a proper shot at West Ham, the midfielder returns to the Premier League with a point to prove. Downes was the conductor of the side last season and his return on a permanent basis is a big boost, both in terms of quality and continuity. He will feel he is a Premier League player and now has a second shot to show that.
One to watch: Taylor Harwood-Bellis
After successive promotion campaigns on loan at Burnley and Southampton, Harwood-Bellis has joined the latter in a £20m permanent deal from Manchester City.
A highly-rated figure in the England set-up, Harwood-Bellis captained the England u-21 side to European Championship success in 2023 as the Young Lions won the tournament without conceding a goal. The centre-back has watched on as several members of that squad have earned senior selection and will hope a first season at Premier League level can elevate him into the conversation.
