Six players who should leave Southampton in the January transfer window | OneFootball

Southampton are in dire need of a reshuffle. For the Saints, the upcoming January transfer window could not come at a better time since they are rock bottom of the Premier League table and in need of a new direction.

Thankfully, they are under new mentorship in Ivan Juric, with the Croatian international desperate to add his own imprint on the club he now manages.

Before thinking about incomings, though, Southampton must open themselves up to the likelihood of outgoings.

So, with that being said, here are the six players I would like to see leave Southampton in the January transfer window.

Six players who should leave Southampton in January transfer window

1. Maxwel Cornet

It won't be a sad departure and I don't mean this in a disrespectful way to the player. His loan spell at Southampton has left a lot to be desired and he deserves a move back to West Ham United to decide his future from there.

Cornet is clearly a talented player. However, he is not in contention at Southampton and it hasn't changed under Juric.

So, Cornet should see his loan move cut short in January.

2. Lesley Ugochukwu

I'd be content either way here. On the one hand, Ivan Juric has shown an increased effort to include Ugochukwu in his Southampton setup, even starting against West Ham on Boxing Day.

However, if the decision had already been made to allow Ugochukwu back to Chelsea in the January transfer window, this is understandable.

Much like with Cornet, if Ugochukwu's loan is cut short, it opens up a new loan spot for the Saints.

3. Adam Armstrong

I know, I know. Losing Adam Armstrong would be sad but it would be telling of Southampton's ambition to stay up.

Armstrong is one of those players who is great for the Championship but isn't ready for the Premier League. Therefore, if Juric decides to keep ahold of Armstrong, it sends the subtle message that the Saints are preparing for life in the Championship.

4. Jack Stephens

Despite being the club captain, it doesn't feel like I'm walking on eggshells to suggest Stephens should leave Southampton.

Having him at the club is a complete detriment to everyone involved. Hopefully, there is a club naive enough to take a gamble on him in January.

5. Alex McCarthy

If McCarthy's minimal performances in the Premier League are anything to go by this season, then he should seek a move in January.

He has too many mistakes in him to be playing at this level. Furthermore, Joe Lumley is the obvious preferred backup option to Aaron Ramsdale now, leaving McCarthy further down the pecking order.

6. Ben Brereton Diaz

Seems so sudden, doesn't it? I know - This is why I included him last in this list.

However, BBD has not had a good start to life at Southampton. Having only started four league games all season, he must be having serious doubts over whether the summer transfer was worthwhile.