8 players set to leave Southampton after play-off heartbreak | OneFootball

FLW takes a look at eight players set to leave Southampton this summer following their play-off heartbreak

It's been a hell of a few days for Southampton, who at one point were preparing for a clash with Hull City at Wembley for a place in the Premier League, and now, have been expelled from the competition, whilst facing sanctions that could damage the club for years to come.

When Southampton were romping up the Championship table during the second half of the season, it took many by surprise, given just how poorly they performed under Will Still.

This was despite being one of the clubs that received parachute payments after their relegation from the Premier League, so when Tonda Eckert took the permanent position after a solid start, people began to stand up and take notice.

Indeed, the Saints lost just one of their last 25 games across all competitions, including victories against Arsenal and Fulham in the FA Cup, and away to Coventry City and Wrexham in the league.

Ahead of their clash with Middlesbrough in the play-off semi-final, a crucial error was made, and Southampton have since been caught and further admitted to at least three accounts of spying on opponents, now dubbed 'spygate', resulting in their expulsion from the play-offs and a subsequent four-point deduction for next season.

What comes next for the Saints isn't exactly clear, but football won't be slowing down for them, as FLW takes a look at the eight players who are now set to leave the club this summer after this heartbreaking news.

Ross Stewart

Scottish forward Ross Stewart has had a rough few years battling with injuries, though, whenever he has managed to get on the pitch, he more often than not has a positive impact.

The 29-year-old scored eight and assisted twice from 25 league appearances this season upon returning to action, and has since booked his ticket on Steve Clarke's Scottish plane to the World Cup.

His contract is due to expire at the end of next month, though Southampton do possess an option to extend his deal by another year if they wish, and with Stewart having previously declared his desire to stay at St Mary's, you would imagine they will do so. But for now at least, he is set to leave.

James Bree

James Bree spent the first half of the season on loan with division rivals Charlton Athletic, having been unfavoured by previous boss Still.

Eckert, however, decided to recall the right-back as soon as the January window opened, and Bree has been an almost ever-present in Southampton's back four since.

Out of contract at the end of next month, there has been no update as of yet as to whether the 29-year-old intends on sticking around on the South Coast, especially with recent drama, and he could well have played his final game for the club.

Oriol Romeu

Oriol Romeu returned to St Mary's this summer after spells with FC Barcelona and Girona in his native Spain, but has been used sparingly since his arrival, managing just 68 minutes of league football.

The 34-year-old made over 250 appearances during his first stint with the Saints, but given his lack of game time and with his contract due to expire, his return could well come to an underwhelming end.

Southampton have an option to extend his terms, though whether they intend to, at this stage, is unknown.

Alex McCarthy

Veteran shot-stopper Alex McCarthy has been a backup option for the majority of the past five years at Southampton, but despite this, he has managed 165 appearances across all competitions for the club.

Now 36, it's safe to suggest that the Englishman's best days are behind him at this stage, and he has almost no chance of becoming the club's number one again.

With his deal now set to expire, McCarthy could seek more first-team opportunities elsewhere before his career comes to an end, or he could remain a backup elsewhere, as for now, he is set to leave the club.

Daniel Peretz

Daniel Peretz joined on loan from Bayern Munich in the January window to replace the struggling and outgoing Gavin Bazunu, and his performances between the sticks have been truly excellent.

It was reported by Florian Plettenberg that the Saints have an option to buy the Israeli this summer for around €7-8 million (£6-6.9 million), which would have almost certainly been taken up in the event of promotion, but now looks to be ambiguous.

Saints face a troubling time ahead, and whether Peretz will sign on the dotted line permanently, at this stage, looks more doubtful than ever.

Cyle Larin

Like Peretz, Cyle Larin was signed on loan in January, but from Spanish side Mallorca, with the Canadian joining to offer more competition up top to Stewart.

He has done just that, with the former Besiktas striker having scored nine and assisted once in 22 appearances across all competitions since his arrival.

Southampton have an option to buy the 30-year-old this summer, though again, whether they will do so now, and whether Larin would be willing to join, remains to be seen.

Elias Jelert

Danish right-back Elias Jelert joined on loan from Galatasaray in the summer, though his addition, probably by his own admission, has been a great waste of time.

With just over 300 minutes of league football across the campaign, the 22-year-old struggled to make his mark for the Saints and will return to the Turkish capital this summer.

George Long

Signed on loan from Norwich City to act purely as a backup option, Saints fans are unlikely to get emotional by seeing George Long depart the club this summer.

The 32-year-old played just once for the Saints during his spell on the South Coast, and even he will likely forget his spell at St Mary's even happened.