Southampton have made a slow start to the transfer window as they prepare for the 2025/26 Championship season under new boss Will Still, aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League following relegation.
Southampton have made only one signing so far this summer, bringing in Joshua Quarshie. However, they are expected to complete a £6.8 million deal for Köln forward Damion Downs once his Gold Cup duties with the USMNT conclude.
With Downs’ arrival imminent, speculation has grown over which striker could make way in the current squad. Southampton fan pundit Martin Sanders, speaking to Football League World, believes Adam Armstrong may be the one to depart.
While the Saints have a strong lineup of forwards—Ross Stewart, Cameron Archer, Ben Brereton-Diaz, and Armstrong—Martin singled out Armstrong as the most likely to leave, despite concerns about the risk involved.
He pointed out that Armstrong was key to Southampton’s promotion push last season, scoring 24 Championship goals. Though some fans might not mind seeing him go, Martin argued that losing a proven scorer could be damaging—especially with Downs needing time to adapt to English football.
The Saints’ new manager, Will Still, faces a tough decision. After relegation from the Premier League, a squad overhaul is understandable. But with Armstrong’s record—24 goals and 13 assists in the 2023/24 Championship season—replacing his output won’t be easy.
Although Armstrong struggled in the Premier League and spent time on loan at West Brom, his Championship form proves he’s a dependable goal threat. Southampton may be tempted to cash in, but parting ways with such a reliable scorer could be a mistake they regret.
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