Spygate or not: 4 deals Southampton must get over the line this summer

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Southampton are continuing to deal with the consequences of their controversial Spygate scandal, which resulted in their expulsion from the Championship play-offs and a four-point deduction for the 2026/27 season.

The Saints were found guilty of spying on Middlesbrough’s training session ahead of the first leg of their play-off semi-final. The club also admitted to carrying out similar surveillance on Oxford United and Ipswich Town during the regular campaign, breaching EFL rules that prohibit clubs from observing or filming opposition training within 72 hours of a match.

Being thrown out of the play-offs denied Southampton the chance to compete for promotion at Wembley, with a potential £200 million financial boost also slipping away. Middlesbrough were reinstated into the competition but fell short in the final, losing 1-0 to Hull City after a late strike from Oli McBurnie secured Premier League promotion for the Tigers.

Despite the off-field controversy, Southampton remain focused on key squad decisions heading into next season. Among the priorities is keeping striker Ross Stewart, whose contract expires this summer. The forward impressed during the 2025/26 Championship season, recording eight goals and two assists in 25 appearances, and is currently in talks over a new deal.

Club owner Dragan Solak has also publicly addressed the scandal, confirming in an interview with BBC Sport that head coach Tonda Eckert will remain in charge despite his involvement. Eckert has since apologised to supporters after reports emerged claiming junior staff had been placed under heavy pressure to carry out the spying operations.

Solak’s backing of the German manager comes after an otherwise successful campaign on the pitch. Under Eckert, Southampton surged into the Championship play-offs and also reached the FA Cup semi-finals before eventually losing to Manchester City, who went on to win the competition.

Away from the ongoing fallout, Southampton are also attempting to secure the futures of James Bree and Stewart, while pursuing permanent deals for loan duo Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz following their positive contributions last season.

Larin made an immediate impact after arriving, registering eight goals and one assist in just 16 Championship matches following Adam Armstrong’s departure to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Daniel Peretz established himself as a reliable figure between the posts, recording seven clean sheets in 20 league appearances.

Even with a four-point deduction hanging over them next season, Southampton will still aim to challenge for a swift return to the Premier League. However, uncertainty surrounding the Spygate saga could complicate efforts to retain key figures such as Stewart, Bree, Larin and Peretz.

Further concerns remain over Eckert’s future, with reports suggesting he could yet face disciplinary action from the FA over the spying controversy. At the same time, Southampton may also be bracing for departures, with reports in Germany claiming midfielder Caspar Jander is considering an exit following the club’s failure to secure promotion.