Southampton Releases 12 Players After Premier League Relegation

Following their relegation with seven games remaining, Southampton have released 12 players to manage financial strain. Notable exits include former England international Adam Lallana, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Joe Lumley. Lallana, 37, may still join the club’s coaching staff under new manager Will Still, who signed a three-year deal in May 2025.

As the disappointment of Premier League relegation lingers, Southampton have begun reshaping their squad with a major release of 12 players to manage financial strain ahead of the 2025–26 Championship season. The club, relegated with seven matches to spare, has opted for a significant overhaul to reduce costs and prepare for a fresh start. Among the departures is 37-year-old Adam Lallana, a Champions League winner and former England international.

Lallana’s playing contract has ended, but he may still remain at the club, potentially taking up a coaching role under newly appointed manager Will Still. The 32-year-old boss signed a three-year deal last month, expressing confidence in rebuilding the squad with a clear identity and long-term goals. The club also released promising youngsters Derrick Abu, Josh Lett, Josh McNamara, and Lewis Payne, along with scholars James Martin, Tevin Myers, Alfie Prescott, Ben Sheaf, and Harry Upstell.

First-team players Kyle Walker-Peters and Joe Lumley are also set to depart following their contract expirations. With the transition now in full swing, Southampton aim to create a tightly bonded unit under Still’s guidance and mount a strong push for Premier League promotion in the upcoming season.