Southampton backed for key exit decision involving 'injury-prone' player | OneFootball

Will Smallbone's lengthy association with the South Coast club has come to an end

Southampton's upcoming pre-season will be one of intense intrigue and importance as a result of the Spygate debacle, with several big names already linked with departures away from St Mary's as they remained in the Championship in controversial circumstances.

It has already been confirmed by owner, Dragan Solak, that Tonda Eckert will be afforded a second chance to lead the South Coast outfit into a first full season, having been handed the full-time role following Will Still's dismal 13-game tenure last December.

The German has since admitted to his role in the aforementioned scandal, and it still remains to be seen whether he will actually be afforded the chance to continue his work in Hampshire amid reports of a potential ban from the FA, who have launched their independent investigation into the matter.

As such, various key decisions both on and off the pitch need to be made, and although Saints will still be in receipt of parachute payments for 2026/27, losing out on further revenue from the Premier League after their expulsion from the recent play-offs, coupled with the newly-implemented Squad Cost Rules, means that several changes to the squad cannot be ruled out.

The likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Casper Jander are two high-profile names already linked with moves away, and while confirmation on such matters is yet to come from the club, it has been claimed that academy graduate, Will Smallbone, will leave upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.

Ultimately, this is a set of circumstances which Football League World's Southampton fan pundit, Louis Harris, isn't shocked by, after a recent spell of mixed fortunes in the midfielder's career.

Southampton FC, Will Smallbone exit decision backed after injury issues

The aforementioned developments were first reported by Alex Crook of talkSPORT, who claimed that Smallbone will hold talks with any potential new clubs in the coming weeks.

The Republic of Ireland international is also said to have attached himself to the agency run by former Reading, Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger, Stephen Hunt, ahead of his next career move.

After making his debut against Huddersfield Town in January 2020, the midfielder has gone on to register 90 appearances for Saints, with over half of those coming in the 2023/24 promotion-winning term under Russell Martin.

Smallbone has also featured on loan with Stoke City, and, most recently, Millwall in 2025/26, but failed to make an impact at The Den with various injury and fitness issues.

When quizzed on Saints' decision to sanction a pending release, Harris told FLW: "Am I surprised? Not really.

"He had a good year with us in the promotion year with Russell Martin. I think that style of football suited him quite well.

"But, if you look at our midfield since he went out on loan, the likes of Flynn Downes, Casper Jander, Shea Charles and even Cam Bragg, to an extent, who's been really versatile in midfield (have impressed).

"I think he's also been quite injury-prone during his time at Millwall," he added. "So, I'm not surprised.

"He did quite well during his time with us, but it's probably time to move him on. I wish him the best."

Russell Martin could target potential Will Smallbone reunion following recent developments

Smallbone only made 10 appearances with Millwall during his injury-plagued loan spell, which to some, could raise further eyebrows over where his next career move lies.

While Saints will worry about retaining the in-demand Jander and Charles, there could be a scenario where the 15-time international reunites with the aforementioned Martin, who is wanted by Leicester City following their relegation to League One.

There have been suggestions that a £10m budget could be in store for whoever takes over at the King Power Stadium, but if appointed, Martin could snap up Smallbone's services on a free transfer and look to reignite his career as part of a high-profile rebuild in the East Midlands.