LATEST NEWS: Premier League 2024-25 preview No 17″ focuses on Southampton and their upcoming challenges

The Guardian’s Premier League 2024-25 preview for Southampton, written by Will Unwin, predicts a challenging season for the Saints, with the club tipped to finish 20th. Last season, Southampton secured promotion by finishing 4th in the Championship, but staying in the Premier League will be a significant achievement for them.

Key Points:
Squad Composition Southampton has a youthful squad, with manager Russell Martin bringing in experienced players like Adam Lallana to provide leadership. The club has also been active in the transfer market, strengthening in various areas to better cope with the demands of the Premier League.

Notable Transfers:Ben Brereton Díaz returned to England after a stint with Villarreal and is expected to be crucial in the attack, especially with the departures of Che Adams and Stuart Armstrong. Young defenders like Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood were signed for their potential, with Wood having previously worked with Martin at Swansea.

Playing Style:Martin’s preference for attacking football worked well in the Championship, but he may need to adopt a more pragmatic approach in the Premier League to ensure the team’s survival.

Manager: Russell Martin, who took Southampton back to the Premier League in his first season, has a growing reputation as a manager. His emphasis on youth and dynamic play has earned him recognition, but this will be his first experience managing in the top flight.

Off-Field Developments: Despite some disruptions, like the departure of technical director Jason Wilcox, the club seems stable, with a new contract for Martin and hopes that Premier League revenues will ease their financial issues, including an £87 million pre-tax loss.

Breakout Star: Taylor Harwood-Bellis, a young center-back signed from Manchester City, is expected to make a significant impact. With experience and maturity beyond his years, Harwood-Bellis is seen as crucial to Southampton’s defense.

A-lister: Flynn Downes, a central midfielder who shone on loan, is back to drive Southampton’s midfield. His previous Premier League experience with West Ham was limited, but he has the potential to prove himself at this level.

Summer Activities:
Ben Brereton Díaz’s engagement and Will Smallbone’s proposal add a lighter note to the team’s summer, showcasing a positive atmosphere off the pitch. However, the main focus remains on how the new signings and the team’s strategy will translate into Premier League success.

Overall, while Southampton has made some promising moves, the consensus is that they face an uphill battle to avoid relegation in the 2024-25 season.