How Southampton could have lined up if they hadn’t sold their best players

Southampton had sold a number of star players to the bigger clubs.

Full Backs - Luke Shaw and Cedric Soares

Luke Shaw started his career with the Saints

Luke Shaw joined the Saints academy at the age of eight and went on to make 60 league appearances for the club. He was nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Season 2013-14 award and was also included in the PFA Team of the Year 2013-14 at the age of 18.

His impressive performances at such a young age forced Manchester United to pay a record transfer fee of £27 million to lure him to Old Trafford in 2014. He struggled with injuries and bad form during his initial years at the club and was linked with a move away from the club.

However, he returned to his best this season and the Red Devils recently rewarded him with a new contract for his performances.

A UEFA European Championship 2016 winner, Cedric Soares joined Southampton from Sporting CP in the summer transfer window of 2015.

He is a regular in the Saints' starting line-up since his move and has thus far, played 98 Premier League games for the club. Soares helped the Saints reach the finals of the EFL Cup during the 2016-17 season.

Edited by Debjyoti Samanta