Southampton FC latest: Everton in for Che Adams, Patrick Pentz responds, Armel Bella-Kotchap update | OneFootball

Southampton FC are preparing for their final league game of the season before their Championship play-off campaign begins.

It has been a very up-and-down season for the Saints, as at one stage of the season they looked on course for automatic promotion, then it looked too far away, then they were offered a glimmer of hope once again before it was firmly shut, and they had to settle for a place in the play-offs.

Russell Martin’s men face Leeds United on Saturday, with nothing riding on the game for them, as Southampton have cemented fourth place, but for Leeds, the game is very much key, as they still have a small chance of automatic promotion.

So, Southampton’s focus may not be on this final game of the regular season, but instead on the dreaded play-offs.

So, with the final game of the season coming and then the play-offs, here at Football League World, we have looked at the latest news coming out of Southampton Football Club…

Everton watching Southampton’s Che Adams

Che Adams’ future at Southampton has been an ongoing story, as the striker entered the final 12 months of his contract last summer and there has been no indication of a new deal being remotely close.

The Scotland international was heavily linked with a move away last summer, with Everton being one of the sides with the strongest interest.

Despite the Toffees reportedly being confident of securing his services, a deal didn’t materialise, and Adams has stayed with the Saints for the whole season.

Everton confirmed their Premier League status on the weekend with a 1-0 win over Brentford, so their focus may drift towards summer plans.

According to iNews, Everton are keeping a watchful eye on Adams ahead of the summer transfer window.

Despite the club staying in the top flight, this report states that Everton will be looking at free agents in the summer, given their financial circumstances, and therefore, Adams does fit into that category.

Patrick Pentz responds to Southampton speculation

It was reported by Football Insider near the end of last month that Southampton, Celtic, and PSV were all interested in signing goalkeeper Patrick Pentz.

Pentz has currently been spending the season on loan at Danish side Brondby from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.

The shotstopper has impressed during his time with Brondby, and that has led to speculation that he could be on the move once again this summer.

The Austrian is under contract with the Bundesliga outfit until the summer of 2025, having signed to the club in January 2023 from French side Reims.

The goalkeeper has reiterated that he is still under contract with the German side, and he refused to speak about the speculation, insisting his focus was on helping Brondby win the league title.

Pentz said, via Salzburger Nachrichten: “I get asked this question in interviews every week.

“My contract in Leverkusen runs until the summer of 2025, so I can't decide on my own what happens next.

“My full focus is currently on the title fight, and I will give my all for the club until the end.

“I feel very comfortable in Copenhagen: the club, the city and the people are just perfect for me.”

Armel Bella-Kotchap’s Southampton departure is expected

Armel Bella-Kotchap was one of several players to leave Southampton last summer, but his departure was a temporary one, as he left on a season-long loan deal.

The centre-back was sent out on loan to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, but the loan hasn’t quite been as successful as many would have expected.

The 22-year-old has only played a handful of times for the club, with injuries being a major issue. However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Bella-Kotchap is still expected to leave the Saints this summer.

The defender is contracted at Southampton until the summer of 2026, after signing a four-year deal when he was signed for £10 million in 2022.