Southampton will massively benefit if they spark a fire sale of the players with very little future at the club.
It has been made clear that Southampton may have to sanction players to move away from St Mary’s in permanent deals in order to bring in extra faces ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
The Saints are already looking at moving on Armel Bella-Kotchap this summer, with German side Hoffenheim reportedly working on a deal that would see the defender leave Southampton.
Southampton are set to get a sizeable fee in return for Bella-Kotchap, who was unlikely to be part of Russell Martin’s plans after he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.
As a result of his departure, Southampton may be able to capitalise on the money they will receive and bring in the necessary Premier League talent needed ahead of the new season.
This could see the Saints rinse and repeat this with one other player likely to leave if Martin sanctions moves for players he believes won’t quite make the cut of the Premier League.
Russell Martin should sanction a move for Southampton winger Kamaldeen Sulemana
Following the imminent departure of Bella-Kotchap, Martin should look to move on Kamaldeen Sulemana in order to free up further funds this summer, which would go towards new signings.
Players in the squad that may not be able to cut it, or will unlikely be utilised as part of Martin’s plans, but still hold a large market value must be moved on, and Sulemana perfectly fits the bill.
Although Southampton may struggle to break-even on the £21m they spent on the Ghanaian international, he will still demand a big eight-figure fee, something that can make a significant difference in Southampton bringing in extra recruits.
Kamaldeen Sulemana will struggle at Premier League level
The defining factor at the end of the day as to whether Martin will keep players around is if they will be able to cut it at Premier League level.
There has been very little that has pointed towards Sulemana being able to perform on a consistent basis in the Premier League, with the winger scoring just two in 18 games in the 2022/23 season which saw Southampton relegated to the Championship.
The 2023/24 season gave Sulemana the opportunity to improve his form at a lower level, something he could have capitalised on this season as a result, however, injury issues across winter, as well as not being Martin’s first choice saw him not score a single goal.
Injuries during the season saw Sulemana cut a ‘frustrated’ figure last season, according to Martin, via Daily Echo.
There seems to be very little evidence of Sulemana cutting it at this level, and Martin must realise this at a time where it will be highly beneficial for the club to be moving on any players who are a doubt.