Five Southampton players who must be playing for a Premier League club next season | OneFootball

Southampton’s fate for next season remains undecided, with Tonda Eckert’s side clinging to a play-off place. Even so, five players look too good for the Championship and must be in the Premier League in 2026/27.

Sainstmarching.com highlights that five standouts fit that bill, whether they stay or move on.

At 22, Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles is among the Championship’s most gifted, his display against Italy underlining it. A rare constant under Will Still, and despite injuries since Eckert arrived, he now looks ready for the top flight.

Brazilian winger Leo Scienza is a year in and already tops creative metrics, including most big chances created. He joined a month late, Premier League interest is building, and he looks primed for the step up.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis had a tough first Premier League season yet still earned an England call-up. In a stronger set-up than 2024/25 he would be good enough, whether at Southampton or elsewhere.

January loanee Daniel Peretz has impressed since arriving from Bayern Munich. Southampton hold an option to buy, his form sits among the Championship’s best, and he looks Premier League ready.

Flynn Downes’ only regular top-flight run came in Southampton’s bleak 2024/25, and he did not let himself down. Revitalised under Eckert, the former Russell Martin linchpin looks far too good for the second tier.

Go up and keep them, otherwise bigger clubs may come calling.

Source: Sainstmarching.com