Leeds United and Rangers may trigger a troubling transfer dilemma for Southampton

Southampton Bracing for a Summer Transfer Battle as Key Players Attract Interest

Southampton Football Club is heading into a pivotal summer that could define their immediate future, as they face mounting pressure to hold onto two of their most important midfielders. With the transfer window now open, the Saints are staring down the barrel of a potential crisis—one that could derail their plans for an immediate return to the Premier League.

After a disappointing relegation from England’s top flight, Southampton is preparing for life in the Championship under newly appointed head coach Will Still. Known for his high-energy, tactical brand of football developed during his time managing in France, Still inherits a squad filled with talent—but also with uncertainty. The club is expected to offload some of its highest earners in order to balance the books and fund a squad rebuild, making this a crucial period in determining the club’s trajectory.

Among those who may be on the way out are senior players such as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, centre-back Jan Bednarek, and midfielder Joe Aribo. All three are on relatively large contracts that may be unsustainable at the Championship level, and their departures could free up funds for Still to reshape the team in his image. But not all departures are created equal—and for Southampton to maintain a realistic chance at promotion, there are two players in particular they must make every effort to keep: Flynn Downes and Shea Charles.

Flynn Downes: A Midfield General Southampton Cannot Afford to Lose

If Southampton are serious about bouncing back to the Premier League, keeping Flynn Downes must be a priority. The 26-year-old is tailor-made for the demanding, high-octane football that Still favors. A tenacious and energetic defensive midfielder, Downes excels in disrupting opposition play and thrives in high-pressure environments. His fearless tackling and physical presence make him a formidable figure in the middle of the park.

Statistically, Downes stands out. He rarely allows opposition players to dribble past him and isn’t afraid to get stuck into challenges—often leading to more fouls committed (2.09 per 90 minutes) than won (1.63 per 90 minutes). While this aggressive style can be risky—evidenced by his yellow card every other game and a suspension for card accumulation—it also underlines his commitment and relentless drive.

In possession, Downes is no slouch either. He’s a composed passer with a clear focus on retention and recycling the ball effectively. His passing accuracy ranked in the top 12% of all Premier League midfielders last season—a remarkable feat considering the struggling Southampton side he was part of.

However, Southampton’s hold on Downes is being tested. Former Saints manager Russell Martin, now in charge at Rangers, is reportedly keen to reunite with the midfielder. The two share a strong history, having worked together at both Swansea City and Southampton. Downes even captained the Swans during his time under Martin and posted the highest pass completion rate across the top four divisions in the 2021/22 season, earning a move to West Ham as a result.

Their successful reunion at Southampton during the 2023/24 season, where Downes played a key role in their promotion campaign, only adds fuel to speculation that Martin will push hard to bring him to Ibrox. The big question is whether Rangers can afford both the transfer fee and the player’s wages. If they can, Southampton may be forced to make a difficult decision—but they should resist unless an offer truly cannot be refused.

Shea Charles: A Rising Star with Premier League Potential

Alongside Downes, Shea Charles represents the future of Southampton’s midfield. The Northern Irish international enjoyed a breakout season on loan at Sheffield Wednesday during the 2024/25 campaign, featuring in 44 matches and cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young defensive midfielders in the Championship.

Charles has already earned caps for Northern Ireland and impressed with his intelligent positioning, ability to read the game, and physical dominance in defensive transitions. His stats in duels won, interceptions, and recoveries place him among the top performers in his position. The 20-year-old combines technical skill with a mature footballing brain—qualities that make him a perfect partner for Downes in a double pivot system.

While Downes brings intensity and bite, Charles adds composure and anticipation. Together, they could form a formidable midfield axis that balances aggression with tactical discipline. In theory, they are exactly the type of pairing that could dominate Championship midfields and provide the foundation for a serious promotion push.

But Charles, too, is drawing attention. Leeds United, who are also seeking to bounce back to the Premier League, are said to be keen admirers of the midfielder. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest Leeds are preparing a bid in the region of £15 million. With three years left on his current contract, Southampton are under no immediate pressure to sell, but a strong offer could test their resolve.

The club should act decisively—offering Charles a new contract that reflects his growing importance and puts him on a par with Downes in terms of wages. Letting him leave now would not only weaken the team significantly but also signal a lack of long-term vision.

The Bigger Picture: Southampton Must Stand Firm

Retaining both Flynn Downes and Shea Charles is more than just a footballing decision—it’s a statement of intent. While players like Aribo may be sold to trim the wage bill, keeping these two midfielders, who together earn £33,000 less per week than Aribo alone, is both economically and strategically sound.

Will Still needs a strong core to implement his pressing style of play, and Downes and Charles are perfectly suited for the job. Losing either would be a blow. Losing both could be catastrophic.

With Rangers backed by a new ownership group and Leeds actively rebuilding, Southampton faces stiff competition for their best talent. Yet if Sport Republic—Southampton’s ownership group—are serious about returning to the top flight, they must resist these advances and invest in the players who can get them there.

This summer, Southampton must not only rebuild—they must protect. Because if both Downes and Charles are pried away, fans will rightly question the club’s ambition. And if they go, so too might the Saints’ hopes of promotion.