Southampton release 12 players in the wake of their relegation from the Premier League, including a former Arsenal star and a tricky Norwegian winger
- Southampton had a season to forget as they were relegated from the top-flight
- They’ve announced their retained list with 12 players set to depart this summer
- Two first-team players will leave the club along with a number of youngsters
By JAMES COHEN FOR MAILONLINE
Southampton have confirmed the release of 12 players in the wake of their Premier League relegation.
The Saints had a season to forget in 2022-23 as they churned through three first-team managers and eventually dropped out of the English top-flight.
From Ralph Hassenhuttl to Nathan Jones and, eventually, Ruben Selles – the Saints struggled to find any form during the entire campaign.
And, following the season’s end, the club have now revealed which first-team stars will be kept on for the 2023-24 campaign.
The most notable name on the list, which the club gave special mention to, was attacker Theo Walcott.
The 34-year-old will leave the Saints for the second time in his career, after joining them from Everton in 2020.
Since his return to the club, the former Arsenal star has scored five goals from 58 appearances but was unable to prevent their relegation to the Championship.
It was Walcott’s second spell at Southampton, having come through their academy as a youngster before moving to Arsenal in 2005.
Along with Walcott, Southampton will also be parting ways with Norwegian winger Mohamed Elyounoussi.
PLAYERS SET TO LEAVE SAINTS
Theo Walcott
Mohamed Elyounoussi
Goran Babic
Sam Bellis
Matthew Hall
Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo
Leon Pambou
Fedel Ross-Lang
Jak Stewart
Will Tizzard
Jack Turner
Caleb Watts
