With Premier League football assured and Ralph Hasenhuttl stating that the rebuilding begins, we take a look at who should stay and who should go.

Ralph Hasenhuttl needs to clear the squad in order to make room for some new signings, the general consensus is that we need at least one quality central defender along side an attacking player.

The squad needs to be thinned not just to provide a transfer kitty but also to trim the wage bill.

Saints already have around £11 million in the transfer kitty after the sale of Manolo Gabbiadini back in January and he will need to generate funds from the sale of players both experienced and not so experienced, here we take a look at who is likely to go and who is likely to stay and the likely money it could raise.

1 Alex McCarthy (G)
I think that McCarthy could well be sold, if only due to the fact that Fraser Forster is on big wages so can't be shifted, that being the case, i think Saints will try to move on McCarthy if they do so then they could expect around £8 million.

28 Angus Gunn (G)
I think he is now established as number 1, so going nowhere.

44 Fraser Forster (G)
As said a little earlier, his wages are a stumbling block so I think he will stay and make a decent back up to Gunn albeit an expensive one.

3 Maya Yoshida (D)
Difficult one, if Saints sign another central defender, then they will be top heavy in this department, with Yoshida turning 31 he is not a long term prospect nor is he likely to raise a big fee, I would expect him to stay but be used mainly as cover.

4 Jannik Vestergaard (D)
Big signing last summer, dodgy start but improved under Hasenhuttl and could be useful alongside a quality defensive partner so stay.

5 Jack Stephens (D)
Im not jumping on the recent Stephens backlash bandwagon here, I have never been truly impressed with him and he lacks the quality needed at this level, at 25 he is as good as he ever will be, only problem is that he has three years left on a decent contract he is unlikely to get anywhere else, unless we can get someone like Sheffield United to take a punt on him it is unlikely that any other Premier League club would be interested, I expect him to be on loan next season.

21 Ryan Bertrand (D)
Matt Targett Is coming through, he has two years left on his contract, we could see him leave and rake in £10 million or thereabouts, but I think he will stay.

33 Matt Targett (D)
Goo prospect although hasn't played much of late, he will be here next season.

35 Jan Bednarek (D)
Showing why we bought him stay

43 Yan Valery (D)
One of the highlights of the season has been his breakthrough Stay

66 Kayne Ramsay (D)
Reasonable prospect so stay.

11 Mohammed Elyounoussi (M)
Again one whose wages could be a problem in shifting him, a difficult one to call, he has the talent, but it hasnt worked out for him here, again if he will take a pay cut could raise £10m, but more likely to be a loan move.

14 Oriol Romeu (M)
Consistent he will stay.

16 James Ward-Prowse (M)
Finally becoming the player he has threatened to be Stay.

17 Stuart Armstrong (M)
At times has been very good at others less so, he could find himself moved on due to the sheer number of midfielders we have so 50/50.

18 Mario Lemina (M)
Still got three years on his contract stay.

22 Nathan Redmond (M)
Likely player of the year stay.

23 Pierre Hojbjerg (M)
Other candidate for player of the year stay.

39 Joshua Sims (M)
Reasonable squad player stay.

1 Tyreke Johnson (M)
Good prospect stay

55 Callum Slattery (M)
I think next year he will play a lot more and could become the next to break through stay.

Shane Long (F)
Only a year left on his contract but Shane is very underated by some, has played a big part in getting us over the line in the last month or so. Stay.

9 Danny Ings (F)
He has played more times than you would think, his goals to game ratio is good and like Long he does a lot of work off the ball to create space for other, permanent deal and stay.

10 Charlie Austin (F)
Has been worth the fee we paid and contributed, but I think it is time for him to move on and us to get about £3 million.

15 Sam Gallagher (F)
I would have loved Sam to succeed, but when he has come on I don't think he has what it takes at this level i'm sad to say, there are reportably a number of Championship clubs keen to offer him a contract with £7 m being mentioned, with several in front of him already I think we should take it.

61 Michael Obafemi (F)
Looked a good prospect, but there is just something about him Im not sure about, we will find out next season. Stay

Wesley Hoedt
Hoedt is not as bad as some would have you say and had several decent games earlier in the season which his critics conveniently forget, I ask the question of whether you would have preferred Jack Stephens or Wesley Hoedt against Bournemouth, all those I ask somewhat reluctantly said Hoedt. He will go though and we will get around £10 million.

Cedric Soares
He will not be here next season only question is will the fee we get be a loan fee or a full transfer fee of around £8 million.

Harrison Reed
He has not made the breakthrough at St Mary's that 3 years ago some said he would, I expect him to be sold and pull in 2-3 Million

Jake Hesketh
Like Harry Reed he has not made the breakthrough and although he has done well on loan, scoring in League One and Two is far from the Premier League, I think he will go and we will get a small fee of around £2 million.

Jordy Clasie
Probably another loan deal or possibly a permanent transfer of around £4 million if we are lucky.

Sofiane Boufal
Some would like to give him another chance but I think that with two years left on his contract and on a big wage we will be keen to try and do a deal, with a transfer fee of around £7 million well short of his true value but allowing us to pay off his wages.

Guido Carrillo
Funnily enough he might suit Hasenhuttl, I think that he may return to the club and be given a chance to show what he has, like many his wages will be an issue in selling him, so depending on who we bring in could be here as back up or loaned out again.

Thats my brief assessment of the squad, so what do you think, one thing for certain is that the squad does need a clear out and it will be done by Ralph Hasenhuttl who will do so based on what he he seen over the last six months and will not be based on historical bias.

We have to look at who has contributed and who hasn't.

So give your opinions below.

Photo: Action Images

AmericanSaint added 17:28 - Apr 28 Nick - I think your assessments are very good. I am curious about all the loanees that are out and what RH will do with them.
5

SanMarco added 17:36 - Apr 28 Isn't Clasie out of contract? I agree with nearly all of the above but would want to see Armstrong stay for another season. Also I would take silly money (if offered) for JWP as, although he has improved, he's still not a complete enough player to merit a regular place. Is the 'transfer kitty' simply money raised from sales or will the owner show a bit of willing? Ralph wont stay long if we don't show a little bit of ambition...

9

TeamCortese added 18:22 - Apr 28 Agree with mostly everyone apart from Boufal and Hesketh. When you see players like Eriksen, Zaha, Pogba, Maguire all being touted for 80 million and above it would be crazy to sell Boufal at this stage especially under a decent manager like Hasenhuttl. If he and Lemina in particular get on with Ralph and buy into his philosophy we'd definitely have enough quality in our midfield to challenge for the Europa League. The truth of the matter is we don't have his attacking talent in our squad at the moment. The closest player to Boufal's quality is Redmond but I still think they're very different in style and can be played together. Lastly, Hesketh needs a chance to prove himself in the summer. If he can't get into squad by January then we should look to sell--even if it's a loan deal with a view to buying. Also, agree with SanMarco on JWP. If we get a silly offer I think we should take it!

9

Farmhouse added 18:59 - Apr 28 Re JWP - don’t understand why you would feel the need to get rid of him, I don’t know exactly what you would class as a “silly offer” but I struggle to know how we can attract a better quality of player to Saints at this stage of our cycle without overpaying by ridiculous amounts. In my view he has been a victim of some pretty lofty expectations since he captained England U21s. Perhaps He isn’t going to take it to the next level but he is solid performer who is now regularly contributing goals, tackles and key offensive passes. It makes me laugh that we say we need a “quality striker” or a “commanding centre back”.... so does everyone else, so why would we be able to get them over bigger 30 clubs in Europe? We are very much in the hit and hope bracket when it comes to transfers, For every Van Dijk, Mane and Tadic read Hoedt, Elyounoussi and Carillo. So when we have a homegrown talent capable of playing 30 games a season, we should never sell unless they want to go. JWP has to stay.

5

underweststand added 19:18 - Apr 28 Nick - I go along with "most" of your assessments. Charlie Austin really needs to play and a mid table Championship club with ambition and who play with wingers will see him back in the form we always hoped he would show. (Also a thank you for his role in introducing VAR next season. Win, lose or draw at least we will be able to see the truth - even in games that Messers Dean and Friend referee. I also have reservations about our U23 loanees, as I think we should push for permanent deals for them - even for a few millions, but with a reasonable sell-on clause. Stephens, Gallagher and Reed should be able to make a good career in Championship, but Hesketh really needs a chance to prove himself in Ralph's set-up. Slattery ihas already caught Ralph's eye , but Jake is older and a better player technically. If Ralph can convince Boufal and Carrillo to up their work rate and become " hard-working team players" we might save ourselves a bundle on trying to new new talents. Glad to hear you don't want to see Yoshida out of the door - the fact that he's just 30 is no real age for a CB, and he is the most experienced international on the clubs books. Are we seeing the renewed Shane Long?....if so - with one year left on his contract - we can always consider a contract extension- if he can remain fit and fast next season. Lemina and Armstrong have both had "awkward" seasons, lacking continuity and having their own role, so hopefully we will see their true value next season. I'm sure we will see one or two of Ralph's personal choices and sign them soon, whilst we are still in the EU. I think... max.3 coming in and maybe 6-7 out + a few more loans.

12

andywelsh added 19:28 - Apr 28 Absolutely agree Farmhouse. JWP seems to be a bit of a marmite footballer. Some people seem to hate him, but for me his commitment, dead ball delivery and reading of the game has been criminally underappreciated by previous managers. Hassenhuttl has shown confidence in him and an extended run in the team has produced goals as well. He lacks a bit of pace and at 24 is not yet the finished article but would not be surprised to see him leave for 25-30 million in a year or twos time. I can hear people choking on their suppers as I type.

2

I_would added 19:45 - Apr 28 (cough)(cough) Marmite good analogy, sort of a bit shitty looking. Committed because he can't believe Saints would give him the opportunity to play Premiership football. No other team would ever offer this and no other team has put a bid in for him. He has hit about 200 dead balls since last year but, strangely, no assists. Apart from that what you say is correct andyw.

-7

andywelsh added 20:09 - Apr 28 I think the quality of his dead ball delivery has been outstanding. The question is how his teammates have either failed to get on the end of them or missed when they have.
7

aceofthebase added 20:12 - Apr 28 Just about agree with these predictions. The exception is that I would like to see Boufal be given another chance with a boot up the backside from our saviour. I am so pleased that you have given Yoshi a reprieve.
6

lemmsy added 20:12 - Apr 28 Some great points here’s But When nick you say a player is 25 & too old to learn I can’t go with that. A player can learn At any age & continue to learn there whole career, in fact listen to Ralph’s interview this week.Dont get me wrong coz I don’t think JS is good enough prem level but Ralph has proved he can coach , including Shane Long who’s 32 !
4

schatfield added 20:20 - Apr 28 Would be keen to see what RH can do with Boufal (clearly talented) and Carrillo
9

RedandWight added 20:31 - Apr 28 I too would like to see if the potential Boufal has could brought to the fore by Hassenhuttl. One day someone is going to get the best out of him and I hope its us and not some other team taking him off our hands at a knock down price. Carillo though, from the few times I've seen him play he looks to have no pace at all. Surely that rules him out of a Hassenhuttl team...

5

KriSaint added 00:40 - Apr 29 Good article Nick. I agree with most of it. I can´t see Boufal improve much. I see he scores very few goals in Spain and is just...so frustrating. But ok. Keep him till´ January and then see. At least one new CB and one striker is an a-b-s-o-l-u-t-e must. Add a winger and I´m satisfied, I think. Look forward to more academy players getting chances. Chr. Klarer for instance. Elyounouissi is the most certain ex-Saint for me. What a waste of money.

6

davepid added 09:58 - Apr 29 Forster? He was in a pitiable state at the time he was dropped so unless his confidence has recovered and he’s learnt to come off his line I would hesitate to have him as our number 2. Pity as he’s had some great games for us.
3

Messysaints added 10:54 - Apr 29 Some people are funny, JWP can be sold LOL, he has been one of our best players since Ralph come in and never got a chance at all under MH and yet is going to finish our most creative player and our highest scoring mid and our joint highest league goal scorer . More chances and goals in half the game time than super duper POTY Redmond and he is a forward whos main job is to create and score goals LOL...…….... Rather see our inadequate forwards and goal shy / injury prone strikers and error prone defenders than any of our mids who our the best players at the club, eg OR, HOJ, JWP and Lemina.

-1

landerwal added 11:38 - Apr 29 I would expect almost all of our central defenders to be out. None of them can man mark, except Bednarek. RH Would prefer two central defenders to be playing rather than being forced to use three because of us leaking too many goals. I don't think JWP will be going anywhere, not with 7 goals as a midfielder in the Premiership. If only some of our forwards could score that many in a season.

2

redwight added 11:41 - Apr 29 Could add Sam McQueen to the list. Clearly surplus to requirements unless RB goes - which I hope he doesn't. Is he still on loan at 'Boro? Would really like to see what Ralph could do with Boufal because the guile of Tadic was never replaced and needs to be.
5

bstokesaint added 12:26 - Apr 29 I enjoyed that article Nick and pretty much agree with you on a player by player assessment. I think Armstrong will only improve and should stay. For all of the JWP critics I think it’s pretty harsh to pan him after the improvements he’s shown under Ralph. Like Redmond he’s come on leaps and bounds. We’ve said we wanted to see more goals and he’s answered that call. I’d like to see us add at least a decent centre back and striker. Think this will be the third season of asking now mind, so I’m not that confident.

1

Jesus_02 added 12:56 - Apr 29 I think a promoted side might take a punt on Forster,. He is on big wages for us but not top 10 wages for a no 1 GK. £70k? The guy needs a break and a fresh start. He might also take a small cut
1

SanMarco added 13:01 - Apr 29 Just to clarify my comments on JWP: If his improvement in recent times leads to an offer many millions more that we'd have got for him a year ago then I think we should take it. I, like his supporters on here, see positives in him but I still don't believe he will ever be the commanding midfielder a top 7 chasing team needs. Of course the debate is totally meaningless if no big offer comes in - will be interesting if a 'quite' big one comes in though!!

5

Whiteknight added 13:02 - Apr 29 Great article, Nick. I think this closed season is where we will really learn more about Gao's intentions. The good news is we can feel far happier with RH at the helm than with Hughes and the necessary actions are pretty clear to most of us.
6

Colburn added 13:03 - Apr 29 Need a leader at the back and another centre forward to go with Ings Obafemi and Long. Austin needs to play and doesn’t suit Ralph’s style. Carrillo the same. Boufal has special talents and if anyone can nurture that it’s Ralph. Even if you’re not a fan of JWP as a starter he is at least a good squad player and produced more than The overrated Redmond who wastes so much possession in the last 3rd, shooting from distance when he doesn’t score from distance and better options open! If we got a silly offer for him I would take it. Apart from centre back and forward we need cover at right back and another creative player. Give Armstrong and Mo a chance, sometimes takes players a season to settle..

1

Saint60 added 15:59 - Apr 29 Somebody out there will know the answer to this re the JWP Debate. Since the away Huddersfield match, how many appearances has he made in the Premier League and how many goals has he scored ?
0

underweststand added 16:07 - Apr 29 RE: those various comments above on JWP. He is one player who has genuinely "come throught the ranks" and still stayed. Lallana (dare I mention his name) upset many when he followed Lambert to Liverpool, but he had been with Saints for 12 years prior to that and was clearly better than most. Now JWP is in the same situation. He's clocked up 200+ apps. (many as sub) and never been given a role that really suits him, but since returning to the side he's played the best he's even done. He may seem to have gone off the boil recently, but only because he was forced to drop back and cover for Valery was absent. To my mind JWP has the real makings of an attacking MF. ..and 7 goals since mid January is proof of that. (one.pen, two free kicks and a selection of right / left-footed shots) I greatly admired Steven Davis - but even he never found that sort of goal-scoring form. Sell JWP - NO !...Play him regularly (in his best position) and top four clubs will break the bank to get sign in a year or two. I agree with Andy Welsh (above) that the quality of JWP dead-ball kicks is second to none in the Prem. but we've seldom had players wily enough to convert them properly. I recall a similar debate on Rory Delap (whose long throws were something to behold) but there was rarely anyone on hand to make good use of them BUT when he and Beattie (in particular) later had their spell together at Stoke, his throws became legend and Stoke scored many goals from such situations.

0

BoondockSaint added 16:58 - Apr 29 Ah, the woes of being a Saints fan! The yearly dread of relegation is quickly followed by the yearly dread of the summer transfer window! Unfortunately, you could make a good argument for getting rid of the vast majority of the team, but who will take average players off our hands? The only quality we have are Gunn and JWP (since RH worked his magic), so we also have to worry about some team swooping in for those two! We let Pelle and Mane go.....managed to survive.....then we let Van Dyke go......and we managed to just survive.......then we let Tadic and Gabbiadini go.......and we just managed to survive....I worry the board/owner thinks we will always manage to stay up somehow no matter who is in the team. You can only go to the well so many times. I agree with Whiteknight, this summer will define us as a club under Gao's ownership. Will RH be allowed to bring in the players he wants? If not, he will be off? Yes he just signed a contract, but just google Pochettino and Van Dyke if you have any legal questions about that! Who would blame him? He is developing a great reputation in the league and will not want to tarnish it. Hoping for the best.......

2

Blogs 31 bloggers

Burnley Polls