Four players should join Aaron Ramsdale in leaving Southampton.

Southampton have made an encouraging start to the Championship season despite being forced to overcome the setback of a four-point deduction. After a difficult summer dominated by controversy surrounding their expulsion from the play-offs, the Saints have quickly put that disappointment behind them and are already competing for a place in the promotion picture.

Tonda Eckert’s team have shown enough during the opening months of the campaign to suggest they could challenge for a top-two finish. After 14 matches, Southampton have the same record as league leaders Middlesbrough, giving supporters genuine reasons to be optimistic about their prospects.

However, the January transfer window could prove extremely important as the club look to strengthen their promotion challenge. While new arrivals may be required, several existing players could also leave to make room for fresh additions.

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is expected to be among the leading candidates for a departure, and there are other members of the squad who could benefit from moving elsewhere. Four players in particular have struggled to establish themselves in Eckert’s plans and may need to consider their futures at St Mary’s.

1. Welington

Welington arrived at Southampton from Brazilian side Sao Paulo during the January 2025 transfer window, but his time on the south coast has not developed as he would have hoped.

The left-back has struggled to make a significant impression since joining the club and currently finds himself behind Ryan Manning in the pecking order. Manning has become an important part of Eckert’s plans, making it increasingly difficult for Welington to secure regular opportunities.

Having reliable cover in every position is important for a team competing across different competitions, and Southampton may still value the Brazilian as a squad option. Nevertheless, the situation is unlikely to be particularly satisfying for a player who wants to play regularly.

At this stage, there is little indication that Welington is close to overtaking Manning as the preferred choice at left-back. Unless circumstances change significantly, his opportunities could remain limited throughout the second half of the season.

A January departure would therefore make sense for both parties. Whether Southampton consider a temporary loan or a permanent transfer, the defender should explore the possibility of finding a club where he can enjoy more consistent football.

2. Mads Roerslev

Mads Roerslev is another player whose Southampton career has been affected by difficulties securing regular first-team football.

The full-back endured an injury-disrupted first season at St Mary’s, managing only nine Championship appearances during the previous campaign. Those fitness problems restricted his opportunities and prevented him from building momentum within the squad.

However, returning to full fitness has not brought the breakthrough he might have expected. Roerslev has yet to earn a meaningful opportunity under Eckert, leaving his position in the squad looking increasingly uncertain.

James Bree and Zach Abbott are currently ahead of him in the competition for a place, making the route back into the team particularly difficult. With other options already available to the manager, Roerslev could struggle to force his way into the starting eleven.

The January transfer window may provide an ideal opportunity to reassess his situation. A move elsewhere could offer him the regular playing time that has been missing from his Southampton spell.

His departure could also benefit the Saints by creating additional room in the squad for players who are more likely to feature during the second half of the campaign. Unless Eckert has plans to involve him more frequently, allowing Roerslev to leave could be a sensible decision.

3. Sam Edozie

Sam Edozie is another Southampton player whose future could become a talking point when the January window opens.

The Saints reportedly rejected offers for the winger towards the end of the summer transfer window, suggesting the club were initially reluctant to lose him. However, his involvement during the opening 14 matches has not been particularly convincing.

Edozie has started only two of Southampton’s first 14 Championship fixtures, while making another eight appearances as a substitute. Those figures underline his position as a secondary attacking option rather than an established member of Eckert’s preferred team.

At 23, the winger is at a stage of his career when regular football should be a priority. Remaining at Southampton without a clear route into the starting line-up may not be the best way for him to develop or demonstrate his abilities.

Eckert has yet to be persuaded that Edozie deserves a more prominent role in the attack. Unless the situation changes over the coming weeks, it is difficult to see why the player’s position would improve significantly.

A January exit could therefore benefit both the club and the player. Southampton would have an opportunity to reshape their attacking options, while Edozie could search for a team prepared to give him more responsibility.

4. Princewill Ehibhatiomhan

Princewill Ehibhatiomhan completes the list of Southampton players who could be heading towards the exit door in January.

The 21-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Salford City, where he made 11 appearances in League Two. That experience provided him with an opportunity to gain senior football away from St Mary’s.

However, returning to Southampton has not resulted in a breakthrough. Ehibhatiomhan has yet to receive any senior playing time under Eckert this season, including in the EFL Cup.

His lack of involvement suggests that he is not currently part of the manager’s immediate first-team plans. At his age, spending another few months without competitive senior minutes would do little to help his development.

A further loan move could be the most sensible solution, allowing him to gain experience and continue progressing. Southampton could also consider a permanent departure if they believe his long-term future lies elsewhere.

January decisions could shape Southampton’s promotion push

Southampton have given themselves a strong platform despite beginning the season with a four-point deduction. Their early performances suggest they have the quality to compete near the top of the Championship, but maintaining that momentum will require careful decisions in January.

Ramsdale’s potential departure could be one of the biggest developments, while Welington, Roerslev, Edozie and Ehibhatiomhan all have reasons to consider their next steps.

Not every player needs to leave permanently, and loan deals could provide useful solutions where appropriate. Ultimately, Eckert and the club’s recruitment team must decide which players can contribute to the promotion challenge and which would benefit from a fresh opportunity elsewhere.