Four (4) Southampton stars who look destined to join Shea Charles in leaving this summer

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles is closing in on a summer move to Fulham despite significant interest from Leeds United, and with the Northern Ireland international seemingly set to leave St Mary’s, several more exits could follow before the September 1 transfer deadline.

It has been a relatively quiet transfer window for Southampton, with limited movement both in and out of the club.

The £9 million signing of Lewis Dobbin from Aston Villa remains the headline arrival, while Ross Stewart’s departure following the expiry of his contract has been the most notable exit.

That could soon change, however. Charles looks set to complete a £30 million switch to Fulham after attracting long-standing interest from Leeds United. Southampton signed the 22-year-old from Manchester City for around £15 million three years ago, meaning the move would represent a significant profit.

With Charles poised to become the Saints’ first major sale of the summer, here are six more players who could follow him through the exit door before the transfer window closes.

Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale’s spell at Southampton has failed to live up to expectations since his reported £25 million move from Arsenal in the summer of 2024.

The England international conceded 66 goals as Southampton suffered relegation from the Premier League before spending last season on loan at Newcastle United. Although he competed with Nick Pope for the number-one spot, he was unable to establish himself as Eddie Howe’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Having returned to St Mary’s, Ramsdale now appears to be behind Daniel Peretz and George Long in the goalkeeping pecking order. As one of the club’s highest earners, a permanent exit before the transfer deadline looks increasingly likely.

Gavin Bazunu

Gavin Bazunu has endured an equally difficult spell on the south coast.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Southampton from Manchester City in 2022 for around £12 million and has made almost 100 appearances for the club across all competitions.

Bazunu began last season as Will Still’s first-choice goalkeeper but lost his place before joining Stoke City on loan in January. His spell at the bet365 Stadium also failed to reignite his career.

Now back at Southampton with just one year remaining on his contract, this summer could represent the club’s final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for the 24-year-old.

Yukinari Sugawara

Yukinari Sugawara could also be heading for the exit despite recently representing Japan at the FIFA World Cup.

The right-back joined Southampton from AZ Alkmaar for around £6 million in 2024 and made 30 Premier League appearances during the club’s relegation campaign.

He spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen, featuring 31 times in all competitions, but Southampton’s continued search for another right-back suggests Sugawara is no longer viewed as part of the club’s long-term plans.

Ben Brereton Díaz

Ben Brereton Díaz has struggled to make an impact since arriving from Villarreal in the summer of 2024.

The Chile international made just 13 appearances for Southampton before joining Sheffield United on loan in January 2025. He then spent the entirety of last season with Derby County, contributing 10 goals and assists in 40 Championship appearances.

Although Brereton Díaz has featured during Southampton’s pre-season preparations, his long-term future at St Mary’s remains uncertain, and another move before the transfer window closes would come as little surprise.